Climate drive 'may trigger new direction'

A view of the Olympic Forest Park under the blue sky in Beijing on Aug 22, 2015. [Photo/CFP]

Speedy shift in development pattern may be on the way, United Nations official says

China's determination to tackle climate change could speed a shift in its development pattern from an energy and resources-intensive model, according to a senior United Nations official.

After Xi Jinping became president in early 2013, China's leadership announced the concepts of "Beautiful China" and "Ecological Civilization", which comprise one of the five pillars of the nation's society.

Janos Pasztor, United Nations assistant secretary-general on climate change, said the concept of an ecological civilization reflects a shift in the nation's development policies, which is a concrete way to promote and achieve sustainable development.

"This is of particular significance for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations and global efforts to address climate change," Pasztor said.

"This shift is essential because taking timely and universal action on climate change is the way the world can achieve the sustainable development goals to end poverty, build stronger economies and safer, healthier societies."

He said China's recent development path will help it to tackle increasing pressure from resource consumption and environmental degradation.

"It will also demonstrate to the rest of the world, and to other developing countries in particular, that it is possible to pursue a new development path that is more sustainable and climate-friendly," Pasztor said.

To help realize this shift in its development pattern, China has slowed economic growth from double digits to an annual rate of about 7 percent, which has been termed an economic "new normal".

Pasztor said China has a social consensus to realize a transformation in its development pattern, as public awareness of the nation in terms of environmental protection and low-carbon development has increased.

"Public awareness of the need to address environmental degradation, pollution and climate change has increased significantly in China over the past two decades," he said.

Pasztor said the public is more involved with these issues and people understand that protecting the environment has direct benefits on quality of life.

"This increased public concern has led the government to bring in more ambitious policies and measures," he said. "But we need action from all sectors of society, including government, businesses and the public, to build a truly sustainable future."