Tackling Climate Change: China surpasses carbon emission reduction goal

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02:44

China continues gaining in the worldwide race to cut carbon emissions. It is on track to beat previously set carbon reduction goals set for 2020. These and other efforts are highlighted in a recent report entitled "China's Policies and Actions on Climate Change". Zheng Yibing has the details.

A straightforward goal for tackling China's climate change issues. Officials say China cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by about 46 percent last year, from levels in 2005. That's higher than the 40 to 45 percent goal set for 2020. Experts say it's the result of the nation's constant commitment and effort.

XIE ZHENHUA CHINA'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AFFAIRS "Since 2017, China has made great progress in slowing and adjusting climate change, improving institutional mechanisms, strengthening such capacities, encouraging local efforts, and increasing public awareness."

The carbon trading market has made some of the biggest strides. Pilot programs have seen trading of about 270 million tons since 2013. The system was officially launched a year ago, and more are on the way.

LI GAO DIRECTOR, CLIMATE DEP'T OF MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT "Next, we will put the entire carbon-trading market online, and make full use of it in reducing greenhouse gases and lowering emission reduction costs."

Meanwhile, China is hard at work with the international community, having signed a memorandum of understanding with over 100 countries for implementing the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. It focuses on strengthening the globe's response to climate change threats.

XIE ZHENHUA CHINA'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AFFAIRS "The Paris accord is hard-earned. We shall never give it up easily. China will firmly implement it no matter what other countries do, and China will take active measures."

Officials have high expectations for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Poland.

LI GAO DIRECTOR, CLIMATE DEP'T OF MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT "This year's negations are important. We will push them forward from all sides, and reach agreements on details and rules of the accord. We also hope to lay a good mechanism base for global efforts to tackle climate change after 2020."

Climate experts are also expected to call for coordination between tackling climate change and addressing pollution. The newly established Ministry of Ecology and Environment details this plan.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "From policies to actions, Beijing says it will firmly support the full implementation of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. It's a goal that China has vowed to pursue alongside its friends and neighbors. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing."