Climate Change--China's Perspective

By H.E. Amb. Xie Hangsheng

June 2, 2009

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thanks for providing me this opportunity to be here with you and exchange my views and thoughts on climate issue. I know Denmark as the host of the COP15, really has made great efforts in this regard. Several days ago, here at Bella Center, I had the pleasure to attend the Business Summit. In March, the International Scientific Congress was also held here. More international meetings initiated by Denmark, such as Youth conference and education conference, together with many others elsewhere in the world are all expected on the way to COP 15.

Different conferences but with one theme, diversified participants but with joint efforts --- Climate issue, as one of the hottest topics on the global agenda, has attracted attention far beyond the governments. People from all circles of life have found it necessary and possible to make due contribution in respective fields. A global climate campaign is thus taking shape, and China has already found its part to play.

My speech today will mainly focus on three aspects: China's view towards climate issue, China's efforts and achievements and China's proposition to the upcoming COP15.

As stated in our position paper on the COP15 issued a few days ago, China regards climate change as one of the most serious challenges in the 21st century, which not only affects the development of the global economy, but also the very existence of all human beings. Being a country vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, Chinashares the same concern and a sense of urgency to deal with the climate issue, which we believe, at least has the following four features:

First, climate change is a result of accumulative emission over many years, and is expected to be solved through long time of hard work as well. However, we have to take actions right here and right now. Developed countries as the major contributor to the global warming, also as the one enjoys the advantage position in terms of funds and technologies, really should live up to its leading role and relevant obligations. They have to demonstrate the political courage, and take concrete measures in reducing Greenhouse Gases(GHG), in addition to enhance support of funds and technology to developing countries, so as to improve the overall capacity of international community in dealing with climate change.

Second, climate change is mainly a consequence of the traditional economic development pattern and extravagant life style. Therefore, to adjust the mode of economic development and to build a resource-conserving and environment-friendly society consist the key to address climate change, both for developed and developing countries. Meanwhile, we have to fully recognize the legitimate priority needs of developing countries for development, which serves the basis for capacity building in mitigation and adaptation. Thus, it is essential to appropriately handle the relationship between development issue and climate issue. Here one thing is for sure, for developing countries, it is impossible to address climate issue without economic development and poverty eradication.

Third, to some degree, the final solution to climate change lies on technology innovation and technology transfer. However, in practice, much more attention has been given to the technology innovation, while leaving only few remarks to the technology transfer, whose importance has been clearly stipulated in both UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol. Real progress likewise, is rather slow than expected. It is truly regrettable. We know technology transfer could help to extend the employment of the existing low-carbon technologies, so as to enhance the capacity building in a most efficient way and benefit the world to the largest extent. To my delight, this point of view has been proposed in the Copenhagen Call at the Business Summit and also in the messages delivered at Scientific Congress as well.

Fourth, climate change is a complex issue that requires comprehensive measures, and has a wide range of impact that requires participation of all related players. As I have mentioned earlier, only with the involvement of the whole society could we heading towards the final success. It is tremendously important to mobilize every walk of life to join this mass campaign and set up a mechanism featured with government guidance, enterprise participation and market operation, together with high-level of public awareness. From this perspective, the local government really has a good potential to play an important role in forming a common stance. In fact, the mass participation in a global context is exactly the best scenario we should strive for.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Many concerns have been expressed, and many promises have been made. But most importantly, concrete actions are now needed. I will then introduce to you about the efforts China has made in dealing with climate change, within its capacity and at its own initiatives.

As early as in 1995, China made the decision to transform its economic pattern to a new one featured with technology innovation, less consumption and low cost. Entering the 21st century, to find a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable way of development turns into our set policy. In the latest five-year plan issued in 2005, concrete goals have been set up. China is working hard towards the targets to reduce the per unit GDP energy consumption by around 20 percent till 2010, compared with the year of 2005, which equivalent to a reduction of 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emission. Then in 2007, a national leading group, headed by Chinese Premier, was set up and a National Climate Change Program was launched. Last year in October, a white paper entitled China's Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change was published.

Actions for energy conservation, emission reduction and climate adaptation have been implemented with remarkable achievements. Between 2006 and 2008, China has shut down inefficient thermal power plants with a total capacity of 34.21GW, and closed 6028 small coal mines. In 2007 alone, the investment in developing renewable energy amounted to $12 billion, ranking 2nd in the world in terms of proportion to GDP. The renewable energy consumed in the same year contributes to an emission reduction of 500 million tons of CO2. From 2000 to 2008, China saw its installed capacity of wind power increasing from 340 MW to 10 GW, ranking 5th in the world; the capacity of hydropower from 79.35 GW to 163 GW, the 1st in the world. And believe it or not, China's GDP of 2007 has increased 12 times over that of 1980, while its GDP energy consumption per unit has decreased by 60 percent.

Even during the time of global economic crisis, the Chinese government still showed its firm resolution in addressing the climate issue. Among its 4-trillion-yuan financial stimulus package, 350 billion yuan was donated into environmental and climate related industries. As far as I know, it is taking the lead in terms of the high proportion.

China, being a developing country with a per-capita GDP of around $2000, and 15 million people in countryside still living in absolute poverty, has distinguishes itself with all its endeavors and great achievements. Moreover, China always maintains a positive and constructive attitude in international cooperation and actively participates in international negotiations. Many of its proposals are applauded by a vast number of countries. It is fair to say that China today is a determined supporter, a positive contributor and an active player in the climate campaign.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Climate change is a world-wide challenge that calls for closer cooperation. As the COP15 is drawing near, I sincerely hope joint efforts will be made in the following aspects:

First, we should have full confidence towards COP15. Global financial and economic crisis has diverted much attention from climate change, and brought along with some pessimistic voices. However, China, together with many other countries, holds the view that the fight against economic crisis and climate change are not contradictory in essence. Economic crisis reminds us the necessity to adjust the current economic and financial system, while the climate campaign provides a chance to transform the development mode, a chance to adjust economic and industry structure, and a chance to open up new market, attract investment and create new employment opportunities. That is why we say that to address the climate issue and develop low-carbon economy also presents an additional option to tackle the economic crisis. In this connection, we have good reasons to be confident regarding to the outlook of COP15.

Second, we should stick up to the existing framework,faithfully abiding by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", and enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol. This is the prerequisite for striking a deal at COP15. The reason is quite clear. UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol are the documents reflecting global consensus, providing a basic legal framework for addressing climate change, and serving the foundation for international climate negotiation. With only less than 6 months ahead, any attempt to challenge the current framework would only be viewed as a step backward. We can imagine that if one decides to propose a new framework, it would be difficult to predict how long a consensus could be reached then, let alone to achieve a post-Kyoto agreement.

Third, since the UNFCCC has clearly defined the ultimate objective to address climate change, the overriding task is to take concrete actions. China has stated clear its propositions for COP15 in the position paper. Given the historical responsibility and development level and based on the principle of equality, developed countries shall reduce their GHG emissions in aggregate by at least 40% below their 1990 levels by 2020, and honestly fulfill the obligation in assistance to the developing countries in capacity building. On the other hand, developing countries need to find a suitable road of sustainable development, taking appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions at a national level and exerting positive influence on the global efforts. Only through this can we find an effective and practical solution to the climate challenge.

Fourth, to promote dialogue and safeguard cooperative atmosphere. Dialogue based on equality, and cooperation featured in mutual benefits, will serve the best and perhaps the only effective option to avoid contradictions and confrontations in the process of negotiation. Developed countries should take full consideration of the difficulties facing the developing countries, which have the multiple pressure of developing economy, eliminating poverty and mitigating the emissions of GHG, while the latter need to play a constructive role in international collaboration. Time is urgent, and a good atmosphere for cooperation is especially cherished.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Addressing climate issue is a global assignment that requires combined efforts. To strike a deal in Copenhagen calls for the political will of all the nations, as well as active participation of various sectors. I am glad to find that exchanges and cooperation among local governments, companies and organizations are gradually enhancing, and believe that this good momentum will contribute to promote consensus of state level. This conference certainly serves a good attempt and a platform of further cooperation. I sincerely hope the conference a good success!

Thank you.