China moves to low-carbon economy

With China's rapid economic growth, its energy demand, as well as its overall greenhouse gas emissions, have seen corresponding increases. Analysts say the shift to a low-carbon economy will be an inevitable choice for China to achieve a more sustainable development.

Targets and trust. These are at the heart of a tougher new global climate conference which is just weeks away. As one of the world's major energy consumers, China is striving to move towards a low carbon economy. The new model would not only ensure that China honors its international commitment but also helps the country alter its economic growth pattern.

Professor Zhao Jianfu, Tongji University said "The key to achieving sustainable development is changing the current growth pattern. For the past few decades, China's robust economic growth has been based on energy-intensive projects. Given the current strained energy resources and deteriorating environment, China needs to shift to a low-carbon economy. That means relying on more technology to improve energy efficiency."

Carbon reduction requires the joint efforts of governments, businesses, as well as individuals. It also requires innovation and money - a lot of it. Now due to the financial crisis, everyone is tightening their belt to get through the winter. Some are wondering whether this will have a negative impact on business efforts to cut carbon emissions.

China is now working on a new guideline to identify the concept, content and pathway of a low-carbon economy. Already the country has taken concrete measures to move forward. It has set clean and renewable energy, electric cars, and smart power grids as the direction for their respective fields. Figures show by the end of 2008, the total market value related to energy efficiency and environmental protection had exceeded one and a half trillion yuan, accounting for over 5 percent of the country's GDP.