Government and Policy

Carbon emissions reduction likely to be binding

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-11 16:47
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KUNMING - China would strengthen its efforts in carbon emissions control and would make every effort to realize the goals for coping with climate change, a central government official said Thursday.

"A significant reduction in energy consumption intensity and carbon emissions intensity is likely to be a binding goal in China's new five-year program," said Gao Guangsheng, an official with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at a conference in Southwest China's Kunming city, Yunnan province.

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Gao's said the proposal for formulating the 12th Five-Year Program (2011-2015) on National Economic and Social Development, requires "effectively control" the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

The public are welcomed to submit their comments on the proposal, released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October, before its final revision in 2011.

China's previous Five-Year Program (2006-2010) set the goal of reducing energy consumption per GDP by 20 percent in five years before the end of 2010.

Over the five years, China has shut down inefficient thermal power plants with a capacity of 70 gigawatts, more than the total capacity installed in the UK.

But as the end of the year approaches, the reduction achieved so far is only 15.61 percent, and some Chinese cities are switching off electricity in a desperate bid to honor the commitment.

"We will keep our commitment and take necessary measures to realize the goals," said Gao.

Wang Tao, a senior official with WWF, said reductions by administrative orders could only work temporarily.

"In the long term, changes must be wrought in the mode of economic development and the lifestyle of average Chinese," said Wang.

According to the new five-year program proposal, China will make progressive efforts to boost energy efficiency, promote low-carbon technology, and establish carbon trade markets.

In August, China started a pilot program on low carbon economy in five provinces, including highly industrialized Guangdong and less developed Shaanxi.

China has promised, by the year 2020, to cut its carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent compared with the 2005 level, a target Premier Wen Jiabao said would require "arduous efforts".