• Issue 2

China will not sacrifice its economic growth by cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, according to its first national plan on climate change published on Monday. The report sets out China's goals for tackling global warming, but stresses that rich nations must take the lead in cutting the emissions.

"The ramifications of limiting the development of developing countries would be even more serious than those from climate change" said Mr Ma Kai, Chief of the National Development and Reform Commission, which oversees Chinese climate change policy.

"Our general stance is that China will not commit to any quantified emissions reduction targets, but that does not mean we will not assume responsibilities in responding to climate change."

According to the report, China has only a "limited capacity to tackle climate change" due to its huge population of 1.3 billion people and its reliance on coal as its primary energy source. "Developed countries should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof," says the report.

The report indicates that China is willing to tackle climate change and is planning to cut down its greenhouse gas emissions by using more wind, nuclear and hydro power and making coal-fired power plants more efficient. Mr Ma Kai also emphasised that China will be using fiscal and tax policies to encourage energy savings.

Many domestic companies in China are still unaware of the dangers of climate change and an increasing number of foreign companies with production facilities in China are exhibiting enthusiasm to transform themselves into low-carbon businesses, according to the annual China Daily CEO roundtable this May that brings together the CEO's of foreign funded enterprises operating in China.

China is currently the second-biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, after the United States. The International Energy Agency expects China to overtake the United States by 2010 or possibly sooner.

Beijing released the climate action plan two days before President Hu Jintao attends the meeting of G8 leaders in Germany, where global warming will be a major issue.
Image:John Pasden