China calls for 'serious soul-searching' on climate

Jane Macartney in Beijing

China laid out its stall with just days to go before climate change talks in Copenhagen, saying it was time for some serious soul-searching by developed nations and stressing it would not be pushed around.
In an exclusive interview with The Times, China’s special representative to the talks, Ambassador Yu Qingtai, said the major responsibility for reaching a deal lay with world’s developed countries.
China was not ready to give ground on climate issues, Mr Yu intimated, in the absence of firm commitments from developed countries to goals long ago agreed in earlier climate change conferences, from Kyoto to Bali.
China is the world’s third largest economic power and its largest carbon polluter.

He said: “There are nice statements, public announcements by governments and leaders of the developed countries. But if you look at the actions they have been taking, we believe there is a lot of ground to make up. In general, what we wish to see is that the developed countries match their words with their actions.”
Together, the United States and China account for some 40 percent of total carbon emissions.
Beijing has set a target of cutting energy consumption per unit of GDP (gross domestic product) by 20 percent in the five years to 2010. It may reach that by the skin of its teeth.
Another goal China is trying to reach is to increase the ratio of renewable energy, from seven percent to 10 percent of its total generating output by the end of the decade.
Beijing is also aiming to ensure renewable energy makes up 15 percent of its total by 2020, while President Hu Jintao in September pledged to introduce a carbon intensity target, essentially a pledge to reduce the amount of carbon emitted per unit of increased economic output.
That figure has yet to be made public. Mr Yu said researchers were still busily trying to work out a practicable goal, and refused to be drawn on rumours that a number could be made public in Copenhagen.
Mr Yu underscored China’s commitment to accelerate the introduction of cleaner energies in a country that relies on coal for some 70 percent of its electricity needs.
“In the future, China’s overall effort to fight climate change will only be stronger, not weaker.”
The ambassador said China would not be hostage to international demands but was coy on speculation that he may yet bring a surprise offer to the table in Copenhagen, particularly the possibility of raising its goal on renewable energy.