China to cut carbon intensity 40 %-45 % by 2020

China will reduce its carbon intensity -- the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for each unit of GDP -- 40 % to 45 % by 2020, compared with 2005 levels.
"This is a voluntary action taken by the Chinese government based on its own national conditions and is a major contribution to the global effort in tackling climate change," according to the State Council or cabinet.

The index of carbon dioxide emissions cuts, announced for the first time by China, would be "a binding goal" to be incorporated into China's medium and long-term national social and economic development plans.
The government would devote major efforts to developing renewable and nuclear energies to ensure the consumption of non-fossil-fuel power accounted for 15 % of the country's total primary energy consumption by 2020.