Download Speech at the

Speech at the Baltic Sea State Sub-regional
Cooperation Conference
By H.E. Mr. Xie Hangsheng
Oct 14th, 2009
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon. Thanks for the invitation. My speech today will mainly focus on
four aspects: China’s views towards climate change, China’s efforts and
achievements, China’s position to COP15 and its future undertakings.
China regards climate change as one of the most serious challenges in the 21 st
century, which not only has a profound impact on the development of global
economy, but also the very existence of mankind. To address climate issues is
an urgent and long-term task for all of us, and needs be viewed through following
perspectives:
First, climate change is a result of accumulative emission over many years.
Developed countries as the major contributor to the global warming, also as the
one enjoys the advantage position in terms of funds and technologies, really
should live up to its leading role and relevant obligations. They have to
demonstrate the political courage, and take concrete measures in reducing
Greenhouse Gases(GHG), in addition to enhance support of funds and
technology to developing countries, so as to improve the overall capacity of
international community in dealing with climate change.
Second, climate change is an environmental issue, and more importantly, a
development issue. It is closely connected with the development stage, way of
life, size of population and resource endowment. For developing countries, they
have limited capability and means to deal with climate change, while at the same
time, they are the most vulnerable ones to its adverse impact. Therefore, it is
important for us to fully recognize their legitimate priority needs for development,
and combine our efforts to address climate change with promoting the growth of
developing countries.
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Third, the final solution to climate change lies much in the technology. It is glad
to note that at the Future Climate Conference of Engineering Solutions held this
September in Copenhagen, a message was clearly heard, which excludes any
major obstacles in addressing climate change in terms of technical capabilities.
Hence, more attention needs to be paid on how to distribute the current technical
resources and enhance the capacity building to the largest extent. While
continuously driving for technology innovation, there is much room for
improvement in the field of technology transfer, which is the most efficient and
practical way to extend the employment of the existing low-carbon technologies.
Fourth, climate change is a common threat that calls for joints efforts, and a
complex issue that requires comprehensive measures. It is our aim to run a
mass campaign and set up an interactive mechanism featured with government
guidance, enterprise participation and market operation, together with high-level
of public awareness. Only with cooperation between the developed and
developing countries, as well as the participation of the whole society, could we
head towards the final success. Conference like today certainly will play a
constructive role to this aim.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Many concerns over the climate change have been expressed, and many
promises have been made. But most importantly, concrete actions need to be
taken. As a responsible big developing country, China fully recognizes the
significance and urgency of addressing climate change, and has made series of
efforts, within its capacity and at its own initiatives.
As early as in 1995, China has determined to transform its economic pattern to a
new one featured with technology innovation, less consumption and low cost.
Entering the 21st century, China adopts a long-term policy to achieve a
comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable way of development. In 2007, a
national leading group, headed by Chinese Premier, was set up and a National
Climate Change Program was launched, the first ever among developing
countries. Last year in October, a white paper entitled China's Policies and
Actions for Addressing Climate Change was published. This August, a draft
resolution on climate change was approved by China’s top legislature.
China's efforts in energy saving and emission reduction have yielded fruits.
Between 2006 and 2008, China has shut down inefficient thermal power
plants with a total capacity of 34.21GW, and closed 6028 small coal mines.
In 2007 alone, the renewable energy consumed in the same year
contributes to an emission reduction of 500 million tons of CO2. From
2000 to 2008, China saw its installed capacity of wind power increasing
from 340 MW to 12 GW, ranking 4th in the world; the capacity of
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hydropower from 79.35 GW to 172 GW, the 1st in the world. The following
comparison is rather convincing. Within 30 years of reform and opening up,
China’s GDP has hit an annual growth of 9.8%, while its GDP energy
consumption per unit has decreased by 4% per year.
Even during the time of global economic crisis, the Chinese government still
showed its firm resolution in addressing the climate issue. Among its
4-trillion-yuan financial stimulus package, 350 billion yuan was donated into
environmental and climate related industries.
Moreover, China always maintains a positive and constructive attitude in
international cooperation and actively participates in international negotiations.
Many of its proposals are applauded by a vast number of countries. Being a
developing country with a per-capita GDP of around $3000, and 15 million
people still living in absolute poverty, China has distinguished itself with all
its endeavors and great achievements. It is fair to say that China today is a
determined supporter, a positive contributor and an active player in the climate
campaign.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Climate change recognizes no borders, and international cooperation
transcends boundaries. As the COP15 is drawing near, I sincerely hope joint
efforts will be made in the following aspects:
First, we should take enough confidence towards COP15. I have noted that the
concrete United Nations climate talks seemed rather tough in the process.
However, it is against this backdrop that we should show more support and
confidence towards outlook of COP15. The recent global economic crisis should
not be an obstacle indeed. China, together with many other countries, considers
it as an opportunity to further emphasize the importance of addressing Climate
issue, which provides a chance to develop low-carbon economy, a chance to
adjust industry structure, and a chance to open up new market, attract
investment and create new employment opportunities.
Second, we should stick up to the existing framework and enable the full,
effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol,
faithfully abiding by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”.
The UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol are the documents reflecting global
consensus, providing a basic legal framework for addressing climate change,
and serving the foundation for international climate negotiation. Adherence to
this principle is critical to keeping international cooperation on climate change on
the right track. Any attempt to challenge the current framework would only be
viewed as a step backward.
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Third, we should take the overriding task of fulfilling respective responsibilities.
China has stated clear its propositions for COP15 in its position paper issued
this May. Given the historical responsibility and development level, developed
countries shall reduce their GHG emissions in aggregate by at least 40% below
their 1990 levels by 2020, and honestly fulfill the obligation in assistance to the
developing countries in capacity building. Developing countries, in the light of
their national conditions and with the financial and technological support of
developed countries, need to take appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions
at a national level and exert more positives influence on the global agenda.
Fourth, we should work hard to achieve a win-win outcome. Dialogue based on
equality, and cooperation featured in mutual benefits, will serve the best, and
perhaps the only feasible option to address contradictions and confrontations in
the process of negotiation. Developed countries should take full consideration of
the multiple pressures facing the developing countries, such as eliminating
poverty and mitigating the emissions of GHG, and render as much support as
possible. Without common development, particularly the development of
developing countries, there cannot be a broad and solid basis in the long run. A
win-win outcome serves both the interests of individual countries and the
common interests of humanity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Looking forward to the future, China will continue to take determined and
practical steps to tackle climate change. Concrete goals have been
brought forward, not as a result of outside pressure, but out of its innate
pursuit of a sustainable development, and out of a sense of responsibility
to its own people and people across the world.
In the 11th Five-year Plan, China has undertaken to do its utmost to
achieve the goal that, from 2005 to 2010, its energy consumption per unit
GDP to be reduced by about 20%, and main pollutants emissions to drop
by 10%. The proportion of renewable energies in primary energy
resources shall rise from 7.5% to 10%.
This September, our president Hu Jintao in his speech delivered at the UN
Climate Summit, further portraits a blueprint to the year of 2020. China will
then intensify its effort to conserve energy and improve energy efficiency,
and raise the share of non-fossil fuels to around 15%. The forest coverage
shall increase by 40 million hectares and forest stock volume by 1.3 billion
cubic meters from the 2005 levels. China will endeavor to develop green
economy, low-carbon economy and circular economy, and enhance
research, development and dissemination of climate-friendly technologies.
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I know the Baltic region also faces the common threat of climate change
and takes pioneering position in addressing the issue. I am further glad to
note that most of the Baltic countries have been equipped with the
world-leading technologies in fields like energy saving and emission
reduction, as well as clean energy etc. Given China’s strong signals and
ambitious targets proposed, one can easily find the great potential of
cooperation between China and the Baltic nations, with the same aim of
achieving sustainable development. It is estimated by the American
Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and PricewaterhouseCoopers in
China, that the future market of China’s green economy will amount to 1
trillion US dollars per year. Baltic countries like Denmark that has
advanced technology and sufficient funds, have already been or certainly
will become important partners in exploring this promising industry and
enlarging their shares of the market. China stands ready to join hands with
all Baltic and other countries to build an even better future for the
generations to come.
Thank you.
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