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| China Makes Clear Its Stance on Climate Change |
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On Monday, China fully laid out its stand on climate change, calling on industrialized nations to lead the way in tackling the problem. "To deal with climate change is a systematic and integrated work and requires the international community to enhance cooperation and make joint efforts," said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan. While meeting with UN special envoy on climate change, Han Seung-soo, Tang elaborated on the nation's viewpoints and plans for the issue, as China faces increasing pressure to take up more responsibility. Han Seung-soo, the current South Korean Foreign Minister, is one of three special envoys on climate change appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to meet with national leaders and consult with them on solutions to global warming. During the meeting, Tang outlined that developed nations should primarily bear the brunt of greenhouse gas emission reductions and aid developing countries with technology transfer and capital, while these countries hold a steady course of sustainable development. "Developed nations have both responsibility and capability to contribute more to climate change," said Tang. "Only when the developed and developing nations work together can climate change truly be solved," he added. Tang added that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change touted the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" which provides a blueprint for international cooperation in this area. He then developed this idea, stating that any climate change scenario should be created whilst accounting for varying national and developmental climates in different countries. The Chinese government has set a goal of reducing energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product by 20 percent by 2010, while pollutant discharges should drop by 10 percent. In early May, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao urged industries with higher energy expenditure and higher pollution rates to actively curb these trends in order that the national economic growth maybe both be expedient and healthy. Wen also said global climate change is an immediate problem and that coal-dependant China must play its part in slashing emissions. China supports the UN's active role in dealing with climate change, hoping the UN can help lead the next generation of gas emission reduction regulations after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, said Tang. UN envoy Han Seung-soo praised China for its responsible role in fighting climate change and echoed Tang in calling for international cooperation to end this global menace. (Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2007) |
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