China's goals on greenhouse gas emissions reduction for the next 10 years have been set out by the National Development and Reform Commission.

At a press conference held on November 26 the commission Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua briefed media on the goals as well as the progress made in combating climate change in 2009.

The conference also unveiled a document titled "China's Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change--The Progress Report 2009," which summarizes China's progress in emissions reduction, adapting to climate change, regional actions, international cooperation, institutional development and public awareness. The conference was held at the State Council Information Office.

During the first half of 2009 China reduced energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product by 13 percent compared with 2005 levels, and aimed to cut the ratio by 20 percent by 2010, Xie said. China therefore needed to continue making efforts in this regard in the second half of 2009 and 2010.

Despite great difficulties, Xie said, China would hopefully achieve its 20 percent target. If it does, it would be able to slash carbon dioxide emissions by at least 1.5 billion tons in five years--thereby turning itself into one of the world's largest emissions reducers.

China adopted a National Climate Change Program in 2007 and established a national leading group headed by Premier Wen Jiabao to address climate change. To date, all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government have formulated plans in accord with the National Climate Change Program. Authorities in charge of science and technology, marine affairs and agriculture have also devised action plans.

Since 2007, China has improved administrative systems and mechanisms to address climate change, strengthened leadership to carry out these objectives, and intensified efforts to adjust its economic structure as well as its industrial and energy mix. For example, it is committed to boosting hi-tech and service industries, thereby raising the proportion of tertiary industry, i.e. services, in the country's industrial mix by 3 percentage points in five years. At the same time, it has taken measures to shut down manufacturers using outdated technology. Thanks to efforts made during the past four years, China has raised the percentage of renewable energy used in total primary energy consumption to nearly 9 percent from 7.5 percent.

China has the largest area of man-made forests of all countries. The latest survey shows the country's forest coverage has climbed to 20 percent from 18.2 percent in 2005. This notable rise in forest reserves has greatly enhanced China's carbon sinks.