China announces self-imposed targets on emission cuts

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced Tuesday in Paris that Beijing has formulated a document about its voluntary actions on cutting emissions and submitted it to the UN Climate Change Secretariat.

Li, who is paying an official visit to France, made the announcement while meeting with French President Francois Hollande.

Beijing's intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs), said the premier, are based on China's national conditions, stage of development, strategies on sustainable development, and international responsibilities.

In the document, China pledges to bring its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to a peak around 2030 or even earlier and cut CO2 emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by 60 percent to 65 percent from the 2005 level.

Meanwhile, Beijing also vows to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 20 percent and raise the forest stock by around 4.5 billion cubic meters from the 2005 volume.

China, Li said, will also continue to actively adapt to climate change and improve its abilities in such areas as risk resistance, forecasting and early warning, and disaster prevention and reduction.

To that end, China has proposed a series of policies and measures concerning relevant systems and mechanisms, modes of production and consumption, economic policies, technological innovation and international cooperation, Li added.

The document also expounds China's stance on the progress and results of the Paris Climate Change Conference, scheduled for the end of this year, and reflects China's utmost efforts in dealing with climate change and its commitment to participating in global governance and promoting the common development of all mankind, Li said.

Li stressed that China appreciates the efforts made by France, the host of the upcoming global gathering, in pushing for agreements to be reached at the UN conference.

The Chinese side, he said, stands ready to work with France and all other parties to strive for a comprehensive, balanced and effective deal at the Paris conference.

During the process, which should be open, transparent, inclusive, Party-driven and consensus-based, all parties should follow the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, he added.

In so doing, said Li, China and all other parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be able to open new prospects for the world's green and sustainable development.
  Xinhua - china.org.cn
1/7/15
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