Failure in Copenhagen conference not an option: official

• Source: Xinhua
• [10:01 December 14 2009]
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At a UN panel of climate, scientists were proposing a 25-40 percent cut in carbon emissions by rich nations by 2020 in order to put global warming under control, but the commitments made so far by developed countries collectively amount to only a 16-18 percent cut, he said.

For funding, UN data put developing nations' needs at 100 billion U.S. dollars annually to cope with the impact of climate change, but rich nations were proposing only 10 billion dollars in the next three years and no mid-term and long-term targets were offered, he added.

"It's time for the developed nations to show their political will and turn their political will into substantial emission reduction targets," the Chinese official said.

He said China is doing no less than other countries, and even better, in combating climate change. He cited China's carbon intensity reduction target, saying China aims higher than developed countries.

Carbon emissions per unit of GDP in developed countries were reduced by 26 percent from 1990 to 2005 and will decrease by 30-40percent by 2020 under their current commitments, but China has pledged a 40-45 percent cut, he said.

"China's efforts are unconditional and not tied to emission cuts by other countries. China has made remarkable contributions to the global fight against climate change," he said.

"China will continue to work with other countries to push for a successful outcome of the Copenhagen conference," he added.