Europe should help China, not cast blame

• Source: The Global Times
• [18:15 May 21 2009]
• Comments

One of the fastest-developing countries in the world, China has made great efforts to reduce its carbon emissions. But recently, European nations have been vocal in criticizing China's carbon emissions.

We now all face an environmental issue of global proportion in the form of climate change brought on by emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon emissions.

However, the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases are the economies of the so-called developed world. Their lack of concern regarding environmental issues over the course of many decades when their main focus was on economic growth lies behind our current global environmental predicament.

The current standards of carbon emissions set by Europe are convenient for Europe itself, at a time when it has already shifted many higher polluting industries to China. A significant portion of the carbon emissions from economic activity in China stem from the production of goods that are ultimately consumed in the West, including, of course, Europe.

European criticism of China is very much built on a foundation of hypocrisy. Playing the “blame-game” and making inaccurate accusations against individual countries is irresponsible and unproductive.

As a fast-growing economic power and the most populous country in the world, China faces enormous challenges. China still struggles to bring a large percentage of its population out of poverty. As development tops China's agenda, the country has to take actions to fight climate change in accordance with its own actual situation instead of those higher standards set by already-developed Europe.

China has not ignored its responsibilities in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. As early as 2002, the Chinese government announced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development that China had approved the Kyoto Protocol, which commits most industrial nations to the world's first legally binding emissions reductions targets. This showed China's willingness to deal with the environmental issues the world faces.

China has taken additional measures to reduce its carbon emissions. Many industries including oil, chemistry and coal, have been active in reducing emissions and saving energy. Green and energy-saving buildings have become a favorite of many real estate developers in China.

As a developing country, China cannot put aside key issues like poverty and starvation to meet the unreasonable standards set by developed countries. Europe's finger pointing doesn't aid the global fight against climate change. What Europe should do now is use its advanced technologies to help China reduce greenhouse gas emissions.