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Energy goals 'help cut global warming'
By Fu Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-20 09:16 The country's commitment to
reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions was lauded yesterday by
world-renowned economists and leading business executives, who said it would be
a positive contribution to cut down global warming.
They also called for
China's global leadership in tackling climate change and other environmental
woes as the country pursues sustainable development in the newly-approved 11th
Five-Year Plan (2006-10).
Referring to China's 2010 goal of cutting
energy consumption per unit of GDP by a fifth from the 2005 figure, Nobel
Laureate in Economics Joseph E. Stiglitz said that "it will be a contribution to
the world" as it means less global-warming emissions.
"China's 11th
Five-Year Plan seems to have taken this message to heart," Stiglitz told China
Daily during an interview on the sidelines of a high-level forum on China's
harmonious development organized by the China Development Research
Foundation.
Stating that the scientific evidence on the threat of global
warming and the link with greenhouse gas emissions is overwhelming, Stiglitz
said China's commitment to increasing energy efficiency is "particularly
commendable."
"But China should do more in terms of its new role of
global leadership," said Stiglitz.
For example, he said, China could
support the initiative of rainforest countries to curb deforestation within an
expanded Kyoto Protocol as forests play an important role not only in avoiding
global warming but also in preserving bio-diversity.
"China's plan to
conserve resources will reduce timber imports; and it also can play a bigger
role in helping developing countries with reforestation," said
Stiglitz.
Among the important areas where that leadership needs to be
exercised, the Columbia University professor said, is helping developing
countries arrive at a common constructive platform on global warming.
Participants at the forum believe China's green goals provide business
opportunities.
For instance, the government recently listed China's top
1,000 State-owned enterprises, which consume the lion's share of the energy used
by industry, for potential savings.
"These goals mean business
opportunities," said Mark Moody Stuart, chairman of Anglo American, a global
mining giant.
The company is using new technology in Shaanxi Province
which can slash carbon emissions by turning coal into gas and liquid
fuel.
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