China will remain firm in pursuing a low-carbon path of development, a Chinese scientist who helps shape the country's energy policy said in Paris.

China's environment could no longer afford the price of pollution after years of economic development that features a carbon-intensive approach, Du Xiangwan, Director of the China Expert Panel on Climate Change, said in a keynote speech delivered at a forum on December 4 on the sidelines of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Moreover, China has learnt from other countries that carbon-intensive development is not the only way towards modernization, Du said.

For example, compared with the United States and Canada, Europe and Japan have realized their industrialization in a more environmental friendly way, according to the expert.

"Per capita carbon emissions of Europe and Japan is only half, even one third of the United States", he added.

To gain development advantage globally, Du believed it was necessary for China to strengthen its research in the new energy sector.