SCIO briefing on China’s Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change (2016)

China Daily:

Would you please tell us more about the impact of the Paris Agreement has on the global fight against climate change after it enters into force? What is China's view about that? Thank you.

Xie Zhenhua:

One of the most important outcomes of the Paris Agreement is that it determines the long-term goal of coping with global climate change. It aims to limit the global temperature rise to within 2 degrees Celsius at the end of this century and strive to reach an even lower goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Whether we can meet the goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius - the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is still working on that - but 2 degrees Celsius has become a certain goal. The agreement explicitly states that it aims to reach a neutrality of carbon emissions and carbon sequestration, which is called carbon neutrality. It also aims to achieve green and low-carbon development and raise the adaptation capabilities of nations so that they can adapt to extreme climate events. This is the important long-term goal and vision established by the Paris Agreement, which has indicated the general trend of global development.

It is consistent with China's development goal of strengthening the construction of an ecological civilization, as well as the idea, strategy, policies and measures of achieving green, low-carbon and circular development. It indicates that the long-term development goal and strategies established by the Chinese government is in tune with global trends and China has also played an important role in facilitating this process.

The final purpose is to eliminate poverty while developing the economy as well as having a better quality of growth and profits in order to protect the environment and adapt to climate change, as well as achieve the global goal of addressing climate change. We will unswervingly implement China's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which aims to achieve the peaking of carbon dioxide emissions by around 2030, and will make the best efforts to peak as early as possible; further optimize energy structure and industrial structure so as to conform to global trends and achieve sustainable development at home; achieve "two century goals", as well as make contributions to protecting global environment. Thank you.