Hu promises "notable" cutback in China's emissions

Chinese President Hu Jintao told the UN climate summit on Tuesday that his country plans “notable” cutbacks on carbon emissions – although he stopped short of giving a specific target for cuts, the Financial Times reported. “We will endeavor to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by a notable margin by 2020 from the 2005 level,” Hu said. This reduction in carbon intensity will see renewable and nuclear energy share of China’s total energy consumption rise to 15% by 2020. Even if China meets this target, its overall emissions may continue to rise indefinitely. Developed nations wanted Beijing to commit to a date when its emissions would peak. Hu’s pledge is seen as an effort to appease international concerns about China’s stance on climate change – and reduce the chances of carbon taxes being imposed on the country’s exports. It was also hoped that firm action from China might help overcome US resistance to a climate change agreement.