China aspires to reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP by 2015 | WPN World People News

China aims to reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent in the five years to 2015, according to Premier Wen Jiabao.

Speaking at the opening of the Parliament's Annual Session, Wen said: "Carbon dioxide emission is set to be slashed by 17 percent in the five years on the basis of 2010, as part of the country's "active efforts to grapple with climate change."

The reduction target will move China closer to achieve its pledge to cut carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent by 2020, relative to 2005 levels, the Xinhua reports.

China achieved a 19.1 percent decrease in energy consumption per unit of GDP in the five years to 2010, Wen said in a government work report to be reviewed by the lawmakers, which was close to official target of a 20 percent cut,

As per the draft 12th Five-year Plan (2011-2015) for China's economic and social development, released today for reviewing, the proportion of non-fossil fuels in China's primary energy consumption should reach 11.4 percent by 2015, from 8.3 percent in 2010.

The government has pledged to increase the ratio to 15 percent by 2020.

Wen addressing nearly 3,000 deputies of the National People's Congress (NPC) said : "Other targets for China to address climate change and pollution issues include a rise of forest stock by 600 million cubic meters and a rise of forest coverage to 21.66 percent by 2015, from 20.36 percent last year."

"The emission of major pollutants would be reduced by 8 to 10 percent in the 2011-2015 period," he added.

Earlier on February 27, Wen said that China would by no means exchange a high economic growth rate at the cost of harming the environment.

Source: ANI