8-18-09, 9:18 am

Original source: Global Times

Chinese officials sent an important signal Saturday, saying the country’s emissions will start falling by 2050, as announced by Su Wei, director-general of the Climate Change Department of the National Development and Reform Commission.

It is the first time China has set a clear timetable on capping its emissions. We welcome the government’s latest commitment to help protect the earth from the devastating effects of global warming.

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen approaching, negotiations on emissions cutting had basically come to a standstill as developed nations and still-developing nations and regions quarreled on what level of responsibility each should take.

China has long argued that developed nations, as the largest greenhouse gas emitters and having reaped the benefits of industrialization, should take the bigger role in reducing emissions, and help poorer countries reach reduction targets by offering technology and capital.

This is correct, but a frightening picture is that if nobody takes the initiative, everybody will be the loser of global warming. China’s move is expected to push the climate change agenda forward at a critical time.

But the latest statement by Chinese officials doesn’t signify a significant change of China’s stance on the issue. Whether the world can reach its targets in emissions reductions still depends on the developed countries, and whether or not they can come up with an effective emission reduction plan.

China is poised to undertake its due responsibility. The most populous country in the world, China also has a fragile eco system that makes it the potential largest victim of global warming. Curbing emissions are in accordance with its interest.

Another fact China can’t avoid is that it has become one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, consuming the largest amount of coal every year. Without China’s input, the climate change agenda will be challenged to make concrete progress.

Domestically, China long ago realized the importance of ditching the economic growth model based on high energy consumption. The government has been promoting a scientific development model. Its 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) includes the challenging target of a 20 percent decrease in energy consumption per unit of GDP.

Now the clear commitment China has made to the international community is also a clear message to domestic polluters of the government’s determination to embrace a green economy. It is also a necessary step for China to more actively participate in global governance.