The State Council, or China's Cabinet, on Wednesday approved a plan to contain greenhouse gas emissions in a bid to realize a 17 percent fall in C02 emission per unit of GDP by 2015.

The plan was passed at a State Council regular meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

To realize the goal, China should actively develop and promote low-carbon energy, while accelerating the establishment of a calculation system for greenhouse gas emissions, said a statement released after the meeting.

Government institutions and social groups will be asked to take initiatives to advocate a green, healthy lifestyle and economical consumption, according to the statement.

It also made clear the exact indicators given to local governments in reducing carbon dioxide emission per unit of GDP.

Positively coping with climate change should be regarded as an important strategy for China's economic and social development, as well as a great opportunity for economic restructuring and promoting a new industrial revolution, said the statement.