A national teleconference on energy conservation and emissions reduction was held yesterday to address climate change. Since the 12th Five-Year Plan(2011-2015), Qingdao has expedited transformation of the economic development pattern. By the end of last year, Qingdao had implemented 573 key emission reduction projects. The emissions of four main pollutants (chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide) dropped significantly compared with data in 2010. The overall progress of emissions reduction work has taken the lead in Shandong province.

According to the head of the Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, Qingdao made a comprehensive work plan for energy conservation and emissions reduction in the 12th Five-Year Plan to expedite transformation and upgrading. In the plan, the Qingdao government would set up nearly 10 million yuan ($1.6 million) as reward money; develop and enhance energy conservation technology; strengthen energy conservation in buildings, transportation and public institutions; and promote emissions reduction and environmental improvements comprehensively.