China's low carbon pilots pose better quality growth model: top envoy

China is seeing notable progress in its low carbon pilots program, with cities and provinces involved gaining remarkable quality of growths, Xie Zhenhua, China's special representative on climate change affairs, said here Wednesday.

China is exploring new-type urbanization and industrialization development to cope with climate change, and low carbon pilots are serving as a crucial part, Xie told an event on the sidelines of a United Nations conference, which will last through Nov. 18.

China is currently operating pilot projects in 42 cities and provinces, including 1,000 communities, 51 parks and eight towns, he added.

International Energy Agency's Deputy Executive Director Paul Simons on the sidelines hailed China as the leader of low carbon development, saying that cities in emerging and developing economies can lead the low carbon transition globally, while reaping benefits.

He emphasized the importance of urban areas in shaping the global energy future, as they will account for the bulk of energy demand and CO2 emissions.

Matt Rodriquez, California Secretary for Environmental Protection, highlighted potential of cooperation between California and some Chinese cities with new tools and shared experiences. Endit