As the global community gears up for COP30, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County in Hainan Province is stepping into the spotlight as a pioneering example of local climate action. From October 20 to 21, the county hosted the ‘From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan’s Actions in the COP Process’ conference, attracting over 100 delegates from international organizations, governments, research institutions, and corporations. The event focused on translating climate commitments into tangible practices, with Baoting showcasing its innovative initiatives under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework, a UN Development Programme on green and digital innovation, and a World Health Organization-led project highlighting the health benefits of climate action. The county also unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint. China’s former special envoy for climate, Xie Zhenhua, emphasized that Baoting’s collaboration with European partners not only accelerates its sustainable development but also provides a localized blueprint for global zero-carbon progress. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and special envoy to Europe for COP30, lauded Baoting as an inspiring model, noting that its multi-stakeholder approach aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals and offers valuable insights for other island economies.