An side event was held at the climate summit in Copenhagen on Dec.15,?gathering the homestretch, government leaders, heads of international organizations and academics to debate China's political and economic shift towards a low carbon model of growth.?[Radio86]

In an expert panel discussion at the COP15 on Tuesday, a highly distinguished panel of experts presented their views on China's capabilities to rein in pollution while maintaining robust economic growth.

Panelists included both Chinese and international experts. The general atmosphere at the event was one of extreme optimism regarding China's capabilities to achieve higher human and economic development all the while keeping its greenhouse gas emissions in check.

China acknowledges the fact that its past progress has come at a cost to the environment, and this is an issue it is looking to address in the future, National Human Development Report (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark said. However, rapid urbanization and the ensuing surge in energy consumption present major main challenges to this goal. But as a nation where an estimated 350 million more people are expected to move by 2030 to its urban centers, China is also in a prime position to adopt and implement green technologies, which will make it possible for entire cities to be built based on the principle of sustainability, Clark said.

According to Zhao Baige, the vice-minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission, China is committed to building a low-carbon economy. However, these efforts need to be an integral part of China's economic development plans.

"As a developing country, China still regards development as its primary task. Development of the low-carbon economy in China must be closely integrated with the Chinese stage of the development and unique Chinese national situation," Zhao said.

Supported by numerous studies and graphs presented at the event, the panelists concluded that China was a nation fully capable of achieving higher human and economic development in a way that entirely complies with the principles of sustainable development.

The event culminated in a very special surprise, as renowned movie star Jet Li took to the stage, urging people to make greener choices in their daily lives. The star then joined a handful of the panelists in braving the freezing sleet outside and rode a bicycle around the venue to draw attention to environmental causes.