China to improve energy efficiency to fight global warming

Source: CCTV.com | 02-07-2007 10:06

China says it is determined to curb the burning of fossil fuels that are behind global warming. This is a response to last week's UN report on climate change. It blames global warming on greenhouse gases from factories, power stations and vehicles.

Fast economic development, but heavy environmental cost.

Chinese leaders are concerned that global warming caused by huge carbon dioxide emissions will intensify droughts, floods and heat waves. All of which will undermine the country's development goals.

At a press conference by the State Council, China's cabinet, the top climate official stressed China's commitment to improving energy efficiency by 20 percent in coming years. The country will also shift its overwhelming dependence on coal, one of the main fuel sources of greenhouse gases.

The official admitted that coal was the problem.

Qin Dahe, director China Meteorological Administration,said, "Our main energy source, as far as I know, is coal, which counts for 69 percent of our total energy. Coal is not clean. China is a country with rapid economic development and a large population, and has a long way to go in order to change its energy structure."

The official adds the country is actively developing other energy sources.

Qin Dahe said, "China is speeding up development and utilization of hydro-power, nuclear power and coal-compressed gas. Bio-energy, solar energy and wind energy are also encouraged in rural and remote areas if conditions allow"

Qin says China wants to boost the energy from renewable sources to 16 percent of the total supply from the current 7 percent by 2020.

Editor:Du Xiaodan