China reiterates climate change principle of "common but differentiated responsibility"

To achieve equitable development globally, China adheres to a principle of "common but differentiated responsibility" on climate change, a senior official said here Saturday.

Xie Zhenhua, vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), made the remarks at the International Cooperative Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change.

Xie's comments came a day after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that according to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility," the international community should further clarify the mandatory reduction targets for developed countries and mitigation actions for developing nations.

"Developed countries discharged a great amount of greenhouse gases during their industrialization in the previous two centuries. That is the main cause of global warming," said Xie, one of China's leading negotiators for climate change talks. "That's why they should take most of the responsibility to reduce carbon emissions."

Developed countries have already overused the earth's atmosphere for emissions, occupying what should be emission quotas for developing countries who are developing to meet their citizens' basic needs, he said.

"Developing countries are now beginning to industrialize. It is unfair to limit their development," Xie added.

Xie said developed countries should transfer environmentally friendly technologies to developing nations and increase their aid to poor nations.

Although a challenging task, China was likely to lower its energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by 20 percent at the end of this year compared with the 2005 level, he said.

China would work to play a constructive role to promote a successful Cancun conference and further enhance dialogue and cooperation with the international community in terms of tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development of the world, he said.

Five months after the Copenhagen talks and seven months before the Cancun conference, Saturday's conference was recognized as a platform to promote the materialization of pledges in the Copenhagen accord and urge for a fruitful Cancun conference.

With a theme of "Low carbon, New energy and Sustainable development," the conference was organized by the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. The conference has invited top leaders, environment officials and entrepreneurs from both China and countries including Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.

By People's Daily Online