China's 2012 carbon intensity fell more than 3.5%

China’s carbon intensity, or ratio of carbon dioxide per unit of gross domestic product, fell more than 3.5% in 2012, surpassing the country’s average yearly target, Reuters reported, citing the nation’s climate change official. “The situation last year was relatively good. Based on a preliminary estimate, China could achieve a more than 3.5% fall in carbon intensity,” Su Wei, a director of the climate change department of the National Development and Reform Commission, said Thursday. China plans to reduce carbon intensity by 17% from 2011-2015, which means an annual reduction of roughly 3.5%, allowing the country to meet international environmental requirements. China aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 40-50% by 2020 relative to 2005 figures, a target that is spurring an increase in demand for renewable, efficient energy.