China approves plan to combat climate change

The Chinese central government on Friday approved a plan that maps out major climate change goals to be accomplished by 2020.

The State Council, or China's cabinet, green-lighted the plan, which was proposed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). A statement released on the State Council's website urged the NDRC to carry out their plan.

China has pledged to reduce its carbon emission intensity, namely emission for per unit of GDP, by 40 percent to 45 percent by 2020 from the 2005 level. It also aims to bring the proportion of non-fossil fuels to about 15 percent of its total primary energy consumption.

Other targets include increasing forest coverage by 40 million hectares by 2020.

The government will also speed up efforts to establish a carbon emission permit market, according to the plan.

The plan also called on deepened international exchanges and cooperation under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", the principle of equity, and the principle of respective capability.

The State Council said in its comment local governments and departments at all levels should recognize the significance and urgency in dealing with climate change and give higher priority to climate change actions.