China launched a weeklong energy saving publicity activity on Sunday.

With the theme of "saving energy and scientific development", a series of activities will be held throughout the country aiming to raise people's awareness of environment protection.

Officials in central government departments are urged to forego elevators and private cars during office hours, instead, they should opt to walk on foot or take public transportation.

In related developments, an international exposition on environment protection also opened in Beijing on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 11, 2007)