On Sharing the Expertise in Fighting Climate Change

Host: Actually China has faced the same challenges of addressing climate change and environmental protection. At present, it increased its efforts in environmental protection and monitoring. Do you have some comments and suggestions on China’s environmental governance, protections and monitoring?

David Sheppard: Well, I think clearly China faces many challenges with your environmental development. You have a very large population. I think China has made some significant steps, particularly in terms of strengthening environment standards. I think, establishing a ministry of environment at 2008 was very important. I mentioned the work that China is doing in protecting natures for 50 percent of your land surface is very significant; the global average is only about 10 percent. I think that’s a very strong commitment. You work to protect water, natural recourses, you recognizing that in China that is the central element of development as it in Pacific as well. So I’ve seen from first-hand experience how some of your measures, such as to protect forest, to steep slopes, is making a big impact on issues such as flooding, and water catchment, water management. So I think you face many challenges, you making many positive steps. And I think the Pacific and many other countries around the world can learn from your very positive experience.