12 November 2009: Kandeh K. Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), took part in the 2009 Annual General Meeting of the China Council of International Cooperation on Environment and Development, which convened from 11-13 November 2009, in Beijing, China, and addressed, inter alia, China’s response to climate change.
The Council is a high-level international advisory body set up in 1992 to advise Chinese Government officials on environment and development issues, and consists of senior Chinese officials and international experts, including UNIDO and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Quoting a report prepared by the Council for submission to the Chinese Government, Director-General Yumkella highlighted some of the steps China would need to undertake to meet the target of year-on-year emission cuts of 4-5%, such as reducing energy intensity by 75-85% by 2050. The report also encourages the promotion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. He added that the Council also proposes that China reform its environmental tax system and begin collecting taxes from polluting companies. The Council’s session will also provide inputs for China’s 12th Five Year Plan and focus on ways to place China on a green industrialization and low-carbon path, such as through using economic instruments to promote energy efficiency and environmental protection.[UNIDO Press Release][China Council Website]