Wen urges world unity in climate-change war

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-11-8  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

PREMIER Wen Jiabao has advised the global community not to weaken efforts in combating climate change despite the international economic meltdown.

"As the global financial crisis spreads and worsens, and the world economy slows down, the international community must not waver in its determination to tackle climate change, nor ease up in its actions," Wen told a key conference on climate change that opened in Beijing yesterday.

He urged developed nations to take responsibility and carry out obligations in addressing climate change, including changing their unsustainable way of life.

Wen also asked developed nations to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

He said the Chinese government had always taken a responsible attitude toward and attached "great importance" to the issue of climate change.

The conference, concluding today, will cover topics including the status of technology transfer and best practices, and mechanisms for overcoming barriers to technology transfers.

Delegates are expected to draw up a proclamation on climate change, which will serve as a reference to the Parties Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Poland next month.

Zhang Ping, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's economic regulator, called on developed countries to carry out obligations under the UNFCCC and provide developing countries with financial support.

Zhang suggested setting up an institution, a funding allocation method as well as an inspection and assessment mechanism to ensure technology transfer.

UN Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang expressed the conference feel by saying: "Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Our actions will go a long way toward determining whether we will truly rise to the challenge, or bequeath to succeeding generations a problem growing ever more dire."

The Chinese government has set a target to reduce energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product by 20 percent and major pollutant emissions by 10 percent from 2005 levels by 2010 to protect the environment, save energy and ensure sustainable development.

Wen said that China "has confidence it will fulfill this goal."