Official: China attaches great importance on sustainable dev't

The National Development and Reform Commission is now holding a press conference regarding China's efforts in fighting climate change.

Deputy director of the NDRC, Xie Zhenhua, elaborated on China's policy to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions. Xie Zhenhua says China has attached great importance to sustainable development. The government will resolutely take concrete measures to achieve the target to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions, per unit of GDP, by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 levels, by 2020. Initiatives include boosting renewable energy use, and increasing green plantation.

Xie Zhenhua also revealed a white paper on China's progress in tackling climate change in 2009.

Background:

China announces targets on carbon dioxide emission cuts

The State Council, China's Cabinet, announced Thursday that the country is going to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared with the level of 2005. Full story >>

Insights:

Ambitious emissions cut target poses challenges to China

BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Experts said Thursday China's ambitious carbon dioxide emissions cut target, though showing a forward-leaning stance before the Copenhagen summit, would pose great challenges to the world's biggest developing economy. Full story >>