Beijing opens door on climate transparency

China’s top climate official has dismissed criticism that the success of global climate talks hinges on Beijing’s willingness to be more transparent about its domestic emissions reduction efforts. “China has absolutely no problem on the issue of emissions transparency,” Xie Zhenhua, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said. Xie promised that China would continue with voluntary cuts to energy intensity and pollution, and begin implementing its pledge to cut carbon intensity (carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product) in the next five years, regardless of the outcome of climate talks. He also said the government was considering an environmental tax, carbon tax and other market mechanisms to encourage the creation of a low-carbon economy. Beijing promised last year to cut carbon intensity by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2020. (November 24, 2010)