China announces carbon reduction targets

The State Council has announced that China will reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40 to 45 percent of 2005 levels, by 2020. The move is a voluntary action by the Chinese government, based on its own national conditions, with aims of being a major contributing factor in tackling climate change.

The State Council says that as a responsible developing nation, China will advocate global concerted efforts in addressing climate change "through pragmatic and effective international cooperation."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also announced that Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the climate summit in Copenhagen, scheduled for December.