China to introduce National Low-carbon Day

BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, or China's cabinet, decided Wednesday to introduce a National Low-carbon Day in a fresh move to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the world's second-largest economy.

The introduction of the National Low-carbon Day beginning 2013 is aimed at promoting awareness about climate change and low-carbon development policies, encouraging public participation and facilitating the country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the State Council said in a statement released after an executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The National Low-carbon Day will fall on the third day of the National Energy Efficiency Promotion Week in June every year, according to the State Council.

The idea of establishing the low-carbon day comes at a time when China is working hard to fulfil its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Chinese government has pledged to cut the energy use per unit of GDP by 16 percent by 2015 from the level in 2011, while lifting non-fossil fuel energy usage to 11.4 percent of the country's total energy consumption from the current 8.6 percent.

To meet the targets, the government has adopted a range of measures, including the closure of outdated thermal power plants and iron and cement workshops and a push for the use of clean energy, such as solar and wind power.

The government hopes to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared to 2005 levels.

At the executive meeting, the State Council also adopted a new sandstorm control plan in north China to minimize dust storms affecting the national capital and neighboring Tianjin Municipality.

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