Recent Climate Change News in the Chinese Media
Xie Zhenhua: through statistics, monitoring, and verification, China will obtain its domestic reduction goals (Google translation)
After releasing a carbon-intensity reduction target of 40 – 45% from 2005 levels by 2020 last week, China has taken steps to repeatedly clarify that this is a voluntary target. Relying on the Kyoto Protocol and Bali Roadmap, the vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, Xie Zhenhua, reiterated that this reduction goal is only binding domestically, and that China, as a developing country, should not be held accountable in the international community to meet this voluntary reduction target—especially if developed nations do not agree to provide financial and technological support to developing countries in need. (Source: China Web)
America announces emissions reductions targets, called “too stingy” (Google translation)
The UN climate change summit begins on Monday of next week, and all eyes are on the world’s two biggest emitters, the USA and China. A white house official announced that Obama will visit the summit and bring with him a reduction goal of 17% from 2005 baseline levels, a goal that many have pointed out will only amount to a 4% reduction from 1990 levels—the standard baseline for countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol. But even achieving this goal is not for certain, as the American Clean Energy and Security Act still must be approved in the Senate before the nation can commit to these reductions. In any regard, Obama is clearly taking climate change seriously, which is quite a departure from the past 8 years under the Bush Administration. (Source: Beijing News)
On climate change, China must be true in word and resolute in deed, says Yu Qingtai (Google translation)
Following the recent number crunch that has ensued with the release of US and Chinese reduction targets, China climate negotiation special envoy, Yu Qingtai, declared that China will continue to take climate change seriously as the world approaches the international climate talks next week. He outlines China’s fundamental negotiation position in regard to international cooperation: first, common but differentiated responsibilities for developed and developing countries on implementation of climate mitigation strategies; second, developing countries maintain a right to develop their economies, and should in no way sacrifice development or slow poverty relief in the name of climate mitigation; and lastly, due to outstanding historic responsibility, developed countries should take the lead in emissions reductions, as well as provide financial support to developing countries.（Source: China Qizhan Web）
For Copenhagen, emerging economies have formed a “united front” (Google translation)
Political tensions and pressures are increasing in the last few days before Copenhagen and this week the core leadership of G20—also known as BASIC: Brazil, South Africa, India, and China—announced that they stand together for the upcoming climate negotiations. This means the four emerging economies will refuse absolute emissions caps for developing nations, and furthermore will expect financial assistance and technology support from developed countries. (Source: Xinhua)
“Heilongjiang Province New Energy and Renewable Energy Industry Development Plans” soon to be released (Google translation)
In accord with national plans to step up renewable and clean energy programs, Heilongjiang province governor, Li Zhanshu, announced Thursday that the province would start rapidly developing wind, hydro-, and biomass energy. Utilizing local research centers, Heilongjiang will continue to develop renewable energy technologies and enhance clean energy production. (Source: Heilongjiang Station)
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