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Rich nations must 'act green'

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Rich countries should facilitate green trade and not set up barriers to a low-carbon economy in tackling climate change, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said.

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the opening of a climate change forum. [China Daily]

At the opening ceremony of a climate change forum held in Beijing over the weekend, Li also called for developed nations to assist the developing world in cultivating its green economy with technology transfer, financial assistance and market liberalization.

Li made the remarks amid criticism that a number of rich countries are turning a blind eye to international treaties, requiring developing countries to take binding carbon reduction responsibility and considering carbon tariffs on imports from other countries.

Developing countries, including China, have insisted that these rich countries aim to restrict the "development space" of poor countries through such actions.

To realize green and low-carbon growth, Li said the international community should "stipulate and implement trade policies which can boost green growth and oppose trade protectionism in all forms."

Emissions by industrialized countries are the main cause of climate change and developed countries should help developing countries with a green economy and sustainable development, Li said.

But the developed economies "are reluctant to transfer technology and resources," said India Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.

Ramesh said developing countries are not waiting for the rich countries to do so. Instead, China and India are taking action by announcing their voluntary carbon intensity reduction plans.

Ramesh said China and India have already forged prominent and significant partnership in terms of climate change negotiation and cooperation, and he is looking forward to a closer relationship.

"This partnership in climate change is also an opportunity to change the political climate between China and India," Ramesh said.