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![Current CO2 emissions will cause the Earth's temperature to jump at least four degrees this century, scientists have warned [Getty Images]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/103526651-e1384146956886.jpg)
Current CO2 emissions will cause the Earth’s temperature to jump at least four degrees this century, scientists have warned [Getty Images]
“Some areas and departments have paid inadequate attention to the issue, and the development pattern is still extensive rather than intensive. In addition, we need a stronger policy mechanism,” Xu Shaoshi said in a report to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body.
Xu heads the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Official data says energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission per unit of GDP in 2013 has dropped by 9.03 per cent and 10.68 per cent, respectively, from the level of 2010. This is still far from Beijing’s preset targets.
China has targets for emission cuts and energy saving in its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), under which energy consumption per unit of GDP should decrease by 16 per cent and carbon dioxide emission should drop by 17 per cent from the level of 2010.
Xu noted that coal accounted for 65.9 per cent of China’s total energy consumption in 2013, and outdated technology is still used in some sectors, increasing energy consumption intensity and pollutant discharges.
China needs to save 320 million tons of standard coal in the 2014-2015 period in a bid to achieve the targets of the 12th Five-Year Plan.
Source: Agencies
