China makes proposals on climate change

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-22-2007 08:47

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has returned to the capital after taking part in the East Asia Summit in Singapore.

The theme this year was "Climate Change and Sustainable Development". Addressing the summit, Wen Jiabao put forward measures to handle climate change. Meanwhile, on the sidelines, he also met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In his speech at the summit, Wen elaborated on China's position on climate change and the measures it has taken and further steps it will take to face the issue. He made five proposals --

First, climate change is a global issue, requiring cooperation of all countries. Developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and give developing countries technology and capital support.

Second, climate change is basically an issue of development. Economic growth, social development and environmental protection should be well coordinated. And producing and consuming modes fit for sustainable development should be established. Endeavors made to this end should help countries, especially developing ones, to develop economies and eliminate poverty.

Third, "the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change" and the "Kyoto Protocol" are international consensus on the issue. They should be regarded as the basic rules. Meanwhile, other pragmatic cooperation and mechanism can be used to complement those rules.

Fourth, technological progress has a decisive effect in combating climate change. The international community should increase capital investment and expand communication.

Finally, developed countries should actively help developing countries improve their ability to face climate disasters.

Wen said the Chinese government has made environmental protection a basic policy. He said noticeable achievements have been made through a series of measures it has taken.