The Chinese government announced on Thursday (November 26) that it aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40% or 45% compared to 2005 levels by 2020. China will achieve this reduction target through a combination of policies, including tax and fiscal measures.
BBC China editor Chen Shirong believes that China's emissions reduction targets signify a major commitment.
Premier Wen Jiabao chaired an executive meeting of the State Council, which formulated corresponding policies to achieve the aforementioned emission reduction targets. Xinhua News Agency quoted the State Council meeting as saying that China faces enormous pressure and difficulties in achieving these targets.
The meeting pointed out that China has formulated a plan to address climate change based on its own national conditions, adjusted its industrial structure, optimized its energy structure, encouraged energy conservation, improved energy efficiency, increased investment in relevant scientific and technological research and development, and made efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase forest carbon sinks.
Greenpeace welcomed China's emissions reduction targets. The head of Greenpeace's China office said that given the urgency of the climate change crisis, China needs to take strong measures. However, he believes China can do more.
Wen Jiabao attends climate summit
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference in Copenhagen will convene on December 7. Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced at a regular press conference on Thursday (November 26) that Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the conference.
Previously, the White House also announced that President Obama would participate in the Copenhagen Summit.
Representatives from 192 countries are expected to attempt to reach a new international convention at this summit to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
Qin Gang stated at a press conference that Wen Jiabao's attendance at the Copenhagen Summit highlights the Chinese government's emphasis on climate change and demonstrates China's willingness to cooperate with the international community. China hopes that this summit will reach a fair and reasonable agreement.
Generally, the annual UN climate change conference is attended by environment ministers or equivalent officials from various countries. However, leaders from dozens of countries have already indicated they will personally attend the Copenhagen Summit.
China and the United States are the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The international community has high hopes for the roles that the two countries will play at the Copenhagen Summit.
– Reference source: BBC website, 2009-11-26
