News | Energy Efficiency

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091130/sc_afp/unclimatewarmingchinaeu

NANJING, China (AFP) – The European Union said Monday that cataclysmic climate change cannot be averted without Chinese leadership but Beijing stood firm in pushing for the rich world to take the lead.

"We cannot solve the climate challenge to mankind without China taking on leadership and responsibility," Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said in his capacity as EU president at a summit in the eastern city of Nanjing.
"So far our belief is the global effort put on the table for mitigation is not enough... more needs to be done," he said in a post-summit address with host Premier Wen Jiabao and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Related article: Barroso calls for more effort
While acknowledging efforts made by China -- the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter -- Reinfeldt raised questions about a Chinese plan to slow its carbon emissions growth announced last week ahead of Copenhagen climate talks.
"What does it mean when it's compared to business as usual? What kind of measures are being put into the Chinese economy to be able to deliver on these?" he asked.
Barroso told reporters late Sunday that the European Union had urged China to maximise its efforts to help tackle climate change and explore the "outer limits" of its position.
Wen, however, defended China's offer, saying it marked "a major contribution to global efforts" on the issue.
"China places high importance on the upcoming Copenhagen conference," said Wen, who will lead the Chinese delegation at the talks.
"China is willing to work to move the conference in the right direction." Related article: Emerging nations unite on climate
Beijing said last week that by 2020 it would curb emissions per unit of gross domestic product by between 40 and 45 percent compared to 2005 levels.
The pledge was essentially a vow to increase energy efficiency but would see China's fast-growing emissions continue to grow along with its economy.
In a low-profile weekend meeting of developing nations in Beijing, participants reiterated the Chinese position that developed countries must shoulder most carbon emissions cuts.
The official People's Daily newspaper said the meeting of representatives from China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Sudan agreed to ask "developed countries to assume responsibility for emissions reduction targets".
Wen also said each nation's burden should depend on its development level.
"This is the key to success of the (Copenhagen) conference," he said.
World leaders gather in Copenhagen from December 7 for UN talks on tackling global warming beyond 2012.
Leaders have said that, at best, the meeting is likely to yield a framework accord whose legally binding details would be hammered out next year.
At Monday's joint news appearance, Barroso said major players "can always negotiate with numbers, but we cannot negotiate with science, with physics".
The European Union has offered to cut its 2020 emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels, and by 30 percent if an ambitious world agreement can be reached.
The White House last week said US President Barack Obama would offer to cut carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2020, based on 2005 levels.
Reinfeldt said the European Union was also urging Washington to do more.