Making environment protection a priority

The Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China has completed its formulation of China's Scientific and Technological Actions on Climate Change, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said at a recent press conference.

The document includes a discussion of the current status of climate change and urgent demands for related scientific and technological research, China's achievements in countering climate change, as well as guidelines, principles and targets, and key tasks and measures to enforce its implementation.

China has adopted an active role in climate change prevention.

"We have formulated a scheme on climate change in accordance with the international convention on emission of greenhouse gas," said Premier Wen Jiabao, when addressing a news conference in March.

The national scheme on climate change initiated in 2003 by the National Development and Reform Commission will be regarded as the fundamental guideline in this regard.

Against the backdrop of the increasingly significant and far-reaching impact of climate change on the world, the establishment of the national scheme reflects China's resolution to tackle this issue as a responsible nation.

Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and trap it in the earth's atmosphere.

China is seeking to achieve the combined goal of economic development and global climate protection, while building a resource-saving and environment-friendly society, and recognizes that rapid economic development cannot be pursued at the cost of the environment.

The national scheme further emphasizes the importance of both alleviation and adaptation. Climate protection can be achieved only by simultaneously adapting to and alleviating the effects of climate change.

Moreover, technological development is also one of the fundamental approaches to effectively address climate change.

The issue of the national scheme has focused widespread attention on climate change and raised consciousness about environmental protection.

The National Development and Reform Commission has sought cooperation with international organizations for technological expertise in environmental field.

The authorities have made great efforts to prevent damage to the environment, including issuing laws on environmental protection, taking a series of actions to address climate change and carrying out environmental research.

(China Daily 08/25/2007 page11)