China is Expected to Develop Low Carbon Economy by 2050

Anchor: China has issued a report saying the country is expected to realize by 2050 a low carbon development, featuring low energy demand and carbon dioxide output. The report says the goal is part of China's endeavor to contribute to the global efforts in tackling climate change. zhangcheng has more details.

The report, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, Qinghua University as well as other research institutes, has outlined specific measures China will take to achieve Low Carbon Development by 2050.

Hu Xiulian is a researcher with the Energy Research Institute affiliated with the National Development and Reform Commission.She says that the low carbon development is not only good for climate issues, but also for the country to restructure economic growth patterns.

"By 2050, China should alter its modes of economic growth, establish an economical, clean, effective energy supply system and figure out ways to realize China's sustainable development and reducing gas emission under the backdrop of the globalization."

The reports also says China aims to reduce its carbon emissions to a maximum of 2.2 billion tonnes a year by 2035 and further to 1.4 billion tonnes in 2050.

Mao Rubo, an environment expert says China's low carbon pathways could help China become a more "green" country.

"Research statistics prove that if we take actions from now on, such as adopting environment friendly consumption modes, incorporating technological innovation and developing low carbon and no carbon energies, China could reduce carbon dioxide output by 2.8 to 3.5 billion tons by 2050 and achieve the same economic development goals."

Apart from continuous improvements in energy efficiency, the report says renewable energies will be able to massively substitute fossil fuel in the future, accounting for more than 60% of power generation and 40% of China's total energy demand in 2050.

Meanwhile, the report says that there remain some uncertainties and challenges on the pathways to the low carbon development. China, as a developing country, urgently needs support from international communities to reach its goal, especially developed countries.

Zhangcheng, CRI News.