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CA to partner with China's Jiangsu on climate policies

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-03 08:35

LOS ANGELES: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on Friday that California and China's Jiangsu Province will form a partnership to cope with climate change.

An agreement to this effect was signed by representatives from the two sides on the sidelines of the Governors' Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles.

The agreement commits the two sides to further reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening government support for renewable energy and technological cooperation, increasing energy security, promoting economic activity and advancing environmental sustainability.

"California is proud to partner with China and we look forward to working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and expand the market for renewable energy sources," said Schwarzenegger.

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"This kind of collaboration illustrates the critical importance of mobilizing action at all levels of government. By joining forces we will learn from each other and share ideas to foster innovative policies that will further our commitment to solving the global problem of climate change."

Fei Shaoyun, delegation leader of Jiangsu Province, said, "we are very excited to work with California on climate change, green technology and environmental protection. We see this as a model for subnational collaboration between US and China."

Much like California's exceptional leadership on the environment ahead of national action, Jiangsu has promoted new energy industries and environmental protection initiatives ahead of many provinces in China.

In fact, 18 cities in the province have attained the title of " National Environmental Protection Model City," accounting for one- quarter of China's population.

The Jiangsu government has issued plans and supporting policies for the invigoration of new energy industry development and has developed the largest new energy industry of any province in China.

Specifically, the framework agreement does the following:

-- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the sharing of successful climate policies related to energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy;

-- Strengthen government support for renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental protection;

-- Strengthen technological cooperation to promote the development and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies;

-- Foster development of new markets for green and renewable energy technologies, including standards for green buildings, cooling and heating, electrical appliances, lighting and solar photovoltaic;

-- Promoting communication and exchange among research personnel and academic institutions; and

-- Implementing specific training programs on planning, policies, technologies government support, and data management, tracking and reporting.

Over the past several years, California and China have successfully collaborated in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy development, and environmental protection.

Last April, California environmental officials joined China for the launch of its first voluntary greenhouse gas emissions registry. With further social and economic development, both parties face increasing and common challenges in the areas of climate change, energy security and environmental protection.

More than 1,200 attendees from more than 70 states, provinces and countries were present at the three-day Governors' Global Climate Summit which ended on Friday.

As the largest gathering of regional leaders focused on climate solutions, this summit helped develop cooperative partnerships and promote collaborative actions needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build green economies and fight global climate change.