Economic slowdown should not waver efforts to tackle climate change: China

---

BEIJING, Nov 8 (Xinhua): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has warned the world's efforts to address climate change despite the global economic slowdown.
"As the global financial crisis spreads and worsens, and the world economy slows down, the international community must not waver in its determination to tackle climate change, nor must they ease up in their actions," Wen told a high-level conference on climate change that opened in Beijing yesterday.
He urged developed nations to take responsibility and carry out their obligations in addressing climate change, including changing their unsustainable way of life.
Wen also asked developed nations to help developing countries to cope with the global climate change.
He said the Chinese government had always taken a responsible attitude towards and attached "great importance" to the issue of climate change.
The event, scheduled to run through Saturday, is jointly organised by the Chinese government and the United Nations to facilitate international cooperation on technology development and transfer as well as international negotiations on climate change.
The conference will cover a wide range of topics, including the status of technology transfer and best practices, mechanisms for overcoming barriers to technology transfers, and the roles and potential collaboration of public and private sectors.
Delegates are expected to draw up a proclamation on climate change, which will serve as a reference to the upcoming parties conference of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Poland next month.
Zhang Ping, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's economic regulator, called on developed countries to carry out obligations and duties under the UNFCCC, to provide developing countries with financial support.
Zhang also suggested establishing a special institution, a funding allocation method as well as an inspection and assessment mechanismto ensure technology transfer.
Vijai Sharma, secretary of the ministry of environment and forests of the Indian government said: "It is critical that technology transfer does not result in an increase of energy costs and does not affect the ability of developing country citizens to improve their quality of life."