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Dealing with climate change not excuse for protectionism

By Sun Shangwu (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-10 02:08

L'AQUILA, Italy: Dealing with climate change and the development of low-carbon economy should not be used as the excuse for adopting trade protectionism, said State Councillor Dai Bingguo here yesterday.

He made the remarks in the report delivered at the Major Economies Forum (MEF), which was chaired by US President Barack Obama. The MEF members contribute 80% of world emissions.

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Dai, on behalf of President Hu Jintao, said that the global economic recession should not change or slacken the efforts of dealing with climate change.

He said that dealing with climate change relies on the joint cooperation among all countries, which should reflect the principle of fairness.

The principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” which was set in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, must be observed, according to Dai.

The developed nations must take the lead in reducing emission and complete the promised target in the Kyoto Protocol before 2012, while developing countries should adopt policy measures to make contributions within their capabilities.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R), on behalf of Chinese President Hu Jintao, walks to attend a meeting between leaders of the G8 countries and six developing countries, in L'Aquila of Italy, July 9, 2009.  [Xinhua] More photos

"It is both unrealistic and unfair to require developing nations to assume the compulsory and quantitative obligation of reducing emissions,” said Dai.

He also called for providing technical platform for all countries, especially developing nations, so that these technologies could be affordable for developing countries.

Dai described the economic development as the “material foundation” for handling climate change.

Dealing with climate change should push, instead of hinder, the economic development of developing countries, said Dai.

The developed countries should provide measurable and checkable aid to developing nations so as to help them seek sustainable development model.

As the largest developing country in the world, China has taken part in dealing with climate change with constructive attitudes, according to Dai.

China has decided to reduce its energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20 per cent from 2005 to 2010, reduce by 10 per cent the major pollutants and increase the forest coverage from 18 per cent to 20 per cent.