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Wen stresses China's efforts in emission cuts
By Li Xing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-18 20:46
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Copenhagen: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gave a speech at the world leaders plenary at UN climate change conference in Copenhagen Friday in which he stressed China's efforts in emission cuts again and said China will do even better though there are more difficulties lying ahead.
"This is a voluntary action China has taken in the light of its national circumstances. We have not attached any condition to the target, nor have we linked it to the target of any other country. We will honor our word with real action," Wen said. "Whatever outcome this conference may produce, we will be fully committed to achieving and even exceeding the target."
In his speech, Premier Wen stressed four principles "to meet the climate challenge, the international community must strengthen confidence, build consensus, make vigorous effort and enhance cooperation."
First, maintain the consistency of outcomes. The campaign against climate change has not just started.
Second, uphold the fairness of rules. By fairness, he said the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" represents the core and bedrock of international cooperation on climate change, and it must never be compromised.
Developing countries only started industrialization a few decades ago and many of their people still live in abject poverty today. China alone has 150 million people living in poverty by UN standards.
"It is totally unjustified to ask them to undertake emission reduction targets beyond their due obligations and capabilities in disregard of historical responsibilities, per capita emissions and different levels of development.
Third, pay attention to the practicality of the targets. The Kyoto Protocol has clearly set out the emission reduction targets for developed countries in the first commitment period by 2012. However, a review of implementation shows that the emissions from many developed countries have increased rather than decreased.
Fourth, ensure the effectiveness of institutions and mechanisms. Concrete actions and institutional guarantee are essential to our effort on tackling climate change.
"I wish to conclude by underlining that it is with a sense of responsibility to the Chinese people and the whole mankind that the Chinese government has set the target for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
