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MANILA, Philippines—China is going to voluntarily reduce its carbon dioxide emission per unit of GDP (gross domestic product) in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared with the level of 2005, the Chinese embassy here said, quoting China’s State Council.
This is "a voluntary action" taken by the Chinese government "based on our own national conditions" and "is a major contribution to the global effort in tackling climate change," the State Council said in a statement released last week.
"Appropriate handling of the climate change issue is of vital interest to China's social and economic development and people's benefits, as well as the interests of all the people in the world and the world's long-term development," the State Council said in the statement.
In a meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday, the State Council reviewed a national task plan addressing climate change.
The State Council said as a responsible developing nation, China advocates global concerted efforts in addressing climate change "through pragmatic and effective international cooperation."
On the other hand, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Monday said in his capacity as EU president that the global climate change problem cannot be solved without Chinese leadership and responsibility.
"We cannot solve the climate challenge to mankind without China taking on leadership and responsibility," Reinfeldt said after a China-EU summit in Nanjing.
"So far our belief is the global effort put on the table for mitigation is not enough... more needs to be done."
At the same joint press conference with Reinfeldt, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao countered that China's pledge last week to slow growth in greenhouse gas emissions marked "a major contribution to global efforts."
"China places high importance on the upcoming Copenhagen conference. I will attend to represent China," he said of December 7-18 global negotiations aimed at reaching a new climate change pact.
"China is willing to work to move the conference in the right direction," Wen added.
With reports from AFP
