Economic planner confident in emissions control

BEIJING - Although China failed to accomplish three out of six annual targets set for energy conservation and emissions control in 2011, the country's top economic planner remained confident in meeting all relevant goals set in the country's ongoing Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

The annual targets for energy consumption per unit of GDP, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, and nitrogen oxide emissions were not met, according to Zhang Ping, head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Zhang made particular note of the fact that the nitrogen oxide emissions figure grew 5.73 percent last year, despite the target of reducing it by 1.5 percent.

"We feel great pressure on our shoulders," Zhang said at a press conference on Monday.

Zhang blamed the failures on the country's extensive growth model that relies largely on heavy and chemical industries, lack of green technology and weakness in enforcing clean production policies.

Energy conservation and emissions reduction are crucial to China's drive to shift its economic development pattern towards sustainable growth, environmental protection and international efforts in tackling climate change, said Zhang.

Zhang stressed that the Chinese government is determined to do a good job in this area and work harder in the future, which contributed to his confidence in meeting future targets.

Promoting such initiatives is not only important for ourselves, but also an important part of the work of a major country that takes responsibility in international affairs, said Zhang.