Low-carbon awareness

However, low-carbon awareness among the general public still needs to be popularized, lawmakers and political advisors said.

"In some regions, and especially in small towns, disposable cups and chopsticks are still being used widely by consumers who believe this lifestyle is good for their health. But they have little understanding about the environmental pollution incurred," said CPPCC member Hong Meixiang from northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

"It will take a long time for the idea of a 'low-carbon life' to become deeply rooted in the hearts of the general public," she said.

She proposed that the government greatly disseminate the idea of a "low carbon life" -- in decision making, in project implementation and in individuals' lifestyles.

"We should tell consumers directly what the benefits of a 'low-carbon life' are and the harm done by a 'high-carbon life,' and promote the awareness of saving a piece of paper, a drop of water, a kwh of electricity, a liter of oil..." she said.

As the main body of industrial production activities in society, businesses should apply their understanding of low carbon into real practices, instead of just using the new concept to attract attention and promote their products, said NPC deputy Chang Dechuan, board chairman of the Qingdao Port Group from eastern Shandong Province.

"To develop a low-carbon economy, businesses should step up efforts to develop low-carbon products. What is more important is that they should develop low-carbon technologies with independent innovations," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2010)