Climate change and energy

Hu and Howard also discussed climate change and energy issues, and made a joint statement stating their satisfaction with bilateral cooperation on these matters, especially on coal mine methane recovery efforts, energy efficiency, scientific research on climate change and agriculture. They agreed that, with suitable safeguards, nuclear power could play an important role in coping with climate change. The leaders also decided to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism for deepening their bilateral ties and signed a joint declaration on climate change and energy and a series of agreements and contracts in the fields of trade and economy, energy, justice and culture.

In January, China and Australia signed a bilateral agreement on clean energy called the Joint Coordination Group on Clean Coal Technology. During Hu's visit, the two countries repeated that the agreement would enhance bilateral cooperation and make a major contribution to improving the economic and environmental performance of coal use worldwide.

Climate change and energy issues were discussed in more detail at the 15th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Sydney on September 8-9, whose theme was "Strengthening our community, building a sustainable future." Besides climate change and clean fuel, the meeting also focused on regional economic integrity, the Doha Round talks, free trade and investment, and the recruitment of new members. The occasion marked the first time that discussions on climate change and energy resource issues were held at a summit with so many countries involved, Shen Shishun of the CIIS said.

Shen Jiru, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) cited three reasons why climate change and clean energy development topped the list of issues at the APEC summit in an article he wrote that was published on Xinhua News Agency's Website.

First, climate changes, such as global warming, and disasters caused by climate change are increasing pressure on limited energy resources, and thus jeopardizing the sustainable development of the region and the world at large. With the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), or the Kyoto Protocol, expiring in 2012, a new international principle should be prepared for future challenges brought by climate changes, he said.

Second, reducing emissions in this region is a big task, because 60 percent of the world's greenhouse gases are produced here.

Last, these common tasks should be jointly resolved by all the 21 member economies of APEC as the strongest guarantee of deepening regional cooperation and realizing free trade and investment in the region, Shen with the CASS said.

China applies the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" for developing and developed nations when dealing with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At the APEC summit, Hu stressed that the principle should form the basis of international cooperation on this issue.

Many countries pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Protocol, but most have not fulfilled their objectives. Developed APEC countries should take practical actions to help developing countries in economic and technological ways to fulfill such challenges, Chinese experts said.

In his speech at the APEC summit, Hu suggested establishing a network known as the Asia-Pacific Network on Forest Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management. The network is expected to provide an efficient platform for APEC members to share information, make policies and provide personnel training in forest rehabilitation and management.