He said this technology can be replicated in African countries, especially those that are currently exploring coal mining, such as Kenya.

Another success lauded was China's nationwide implementation of clean cooking stoves. About 129 million stoves were installed in rural China through the project, with more than 60% replacing traditional household stoves with improved stoves. Reports recorded savings of 900 kilograms of coal from each cook stove per year in Shaanxi, China.

"This and many other short-lived climate pollutant control measures may be able to be replicated and scaled up to many workable solutions globally," said Achim Steiner, the executive director of the UN Environment program.

He said the report is an important reference point that other countries will hugely benefit from.

"We have only one atmosphere. Its protection requires international stewardship. But it also needs urgent and aggressive action at the national level," Steiner said in the foreword.

During the opening of a two day science policy forum at the United nations Environment Program last week , hina was also commended for it's success in reversing deforestation

"It is possible to stop the trend and re-green enormous land mass,"said Leonard, a scientist at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. China has achieved 40 percent increase in forest cover over the recent past.

"Africa can also pursue a green economy. It is expensive but this is what the world is focused on. Let us not look at the short-term but the long term benefits of using renewable technologies. Otherwise, the continent will be left alone in the archaic use of fossil fuels,” said the scientist.

Lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn