China stands as steadfast contributor to global climate campaign

BEIJING - The world's climate ambition will be turned into tangible action as the Paris Agreement on climate change is to enter into force on Nov 4.

Having taken an indispensable part in the global efforts leading to the the milestone accord, China is set to continue its steadfast climate endeavors by providing wisdom and inspiration to the global climate campaign and the implementation of the agreement.

"Global momentum for the Paris Agreement to enter into force in 2016 has been remarkable," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement on Wednesday. "What once seemed unthinkable is now unstoppable."

The Paris deal, adopted in December 2015, has been ratified by 72 countries, which together are responsible for more than 56 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

The landmark agreement is applauded by the world and considered by many as humanity's last chance to save the planet. Its entry into force marks a major step forward made by the international community in its fight against climate change.

China's climate endeavors, including its self-imposed commitments and extensive diplomatic efforts before and during the Paris climate talks, have been an integral part of global efforts leading to the making of final breakthrough at the Paris talks.

In strong signs of support for world's climate efforts, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China's pledge to cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65 percent from the 2005 levels by 2030 at the Paris climate summit in late 2015.

At the summit, Xi pledged to increase non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20 percent and peak its carbon emissions by the same date.

The Chinese president also called on leaders from more than 140 countries to abandon the "zero-sum" mindset on climate change and unite to tackle the common challenge.

Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation made extensive contacts with convening parties during the summit, consulting with UN chief Ban, ministers and heads of delegations from Malaysia, India, the United States and many other countries.

A seminar to share China's experience of transforming the Kubuqi Desert in North China into an oasis was organized on the sidelines of the meeting, offering valuable experience to other developing countries in this endeavor.

On Sept. 3, China and the United States demonstrated their determination and joint leadership in fighting climate change at the G20 Hangzhou summit by handing over their legal documents ratifying the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ban praised the "outstanding leadership" by China and the United States, and described their handover of legal documents as a "historic step" as well as a major success from the Hangzhou summit encouraging the speedy entry into force of the Paris Agreement.

Standing today as an active contributor and constructive player in the global climate campaign, China, which is still a developing country, now tops the world in terms of energy conservation and utilization of new and renewable energies.

Actually, climate change efforts are already integrated into China's medium- and long-term program of economic and social development.

President Xi said that China will, on the basis of technological and institutional innovation, adopt new policy measures to improve the industrial mix, build low-carbon system, develop green building and low-carbon transportation and establish a nationwide carbon-emission trading market.

For today's China, to act on climate change is not only driven by its domestic needs for sustainable development, but also driven by its sense of responsibility to fully engage in global governance, and to forge a community of shared destiny for humankind.