This report seeks to answer the following questions: Which of Wuhan's natural, social, economic and political characteristics are impacting low-carbon development practices? How did the key driving factors affecting low-carbon development change during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015)? What kinds of strategic measures and policy tools were utilized by local governments? This background report on Wuhan is divided into four sections and is more factual than analytical or commentary in nature.