Government and Policy

Developing nations should be treated fairly on climate fight

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-08 17:14
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BEIJING - To achieve equitable development globally, China adheres to a principle of "common but differentiated responsibility" on climate change, a senior official said at a conference here Saturday.

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Xie Zhenhua, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), made the remarks at the International Cooperative Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change.

"Developed countries discharged a great amount of greenhouse gases during their industrialization in the previous two centuries. That is the main cause of global warming," Xie said. "That's why they should take most of the responsibility to reduce carbon emissions."

Developed countries have already overused the earth's atmosphere for emissions, occupying what should be developing countries' emission quotas as they develop and meet their citizens' basic needs, he said.

"Developing countries are now beginning to industrialize. It is unfair to limit their development," Xie added.

Xie said developed countries should transfer environmentally friendly technologies to developing nations and increase their aid to poor nations.

Organized by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), the international conference is being held in Beijing from May 7 to 9. Its theme is: "Low carbon, New energy and Sustainable development."