China has announced that it would reduce the intensity of CO2 emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared with the level of 2005.

It is the first time that China has committed to putting numbers on the table ahead of the crucial Copenhagen negotiations, which being in 10 days.

It has also been reported that Chinese prime minister, Wen Jiabao, will also attend the Copenhagen climate talks next month. US President Obama yesterday announced he would attend part of the Copenhagen negotiation.

A UK Government spokesman said:

'China's first ever commitment to put a number on the table to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy is an important opening contribution ahead of the crucial negotiations in Copenhagen and we are studying it in detail.'

'At the Major Economies Forum in July , major developing countries including China committed to take action to reduce their emissions by a meaningful deviation from business as usual levels and to the goal of limiting global temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees.'

'It is essential that for the right ambitious deal to be made in Copenhagen, China and other nations will need to take action consistent with this 2 degree objective.'

Related links

China sets first targets to curb world's largest carbon footprint, Guardian 26 November 2009

China unveils emissions targets ahead of Copenhagen, BBC News 26 November 2009