China launches climate change think tank

China's newly established national think tank for climate change has put the "top level design" of China's carbon trading system top of its agenda agenda.

The country officially launched its first national climate change think tank on Monday — the National Climate Change Strategy Research and International Cooperation Center — to further strengthen the nation's research capabilities in addressing climate change.

The center will provide policy decision-making support for climate change negotiations, advise on low-carbon economic development and cooperate internationally in this area.

Xie Zhenhua, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, said the think tank should provide "innovative solutions" for addressing climate change, at the launch ceremony.

Macro strategies of China's low carbon economy and "top level design" of the carbon trading systems will be two major focuses of the center in the short term, said Li Junfeng, head of the center.

Meanwhile, the center will closely research major issues from the Durban Platform, the main outcome from the Durban climate talks and the recent Bonn climate change conference, he said.

China will test a provincial emissions trading system in seven pilot provinces and cities next year to lay the foundation for a national scheme.

lanlan@chinadaily.com.cn