BEIJING -- China will double its efforts to prevent natural disasters and minimise their impact in the face of global environmental changes, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said on Thursday.

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Hui made the remarks when addressing a global environmental change conference held in Beijing.

Under the influence of environmental changes, the world has seen more frequent and more intense instances of "extreme weather" which have caused many casualties and huge economic losses, according to Hui.

Hui disclosed that China would publicize a national project to cope with climate change, giving priority to technological development on the protection of energy, water resources and environment.

China will continue to encourage Chinese scientists to cooperate with scientists in other countries to build a "harmonious and sustainable world", he said.