The country's commitment to reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions 
was lauded yesterday by world-renowned economists and leading business 
executives, who said it would be a positive contribution to cut down global 
warming. 
They also called for China's global leadership in tackling climate change and 
other environmental woes as the country pursues sustainable development in the 
newly-approved 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10). 
Referring to China's 2010 goal of cutting energy consumption per unit of GDP 
by a fifth from the 2005 figure, Nobel Laureate in Economics Joseph E. Stiglitz 
said that "it will be a contribution to the world" as it means less 
global-warming emissions. 
"China's 11th Five-Year Plan seems to have taken this message to heart," 
Stiglitz told China Daily during an interview on the sidelines of a high-level 
forum on China's harmonious development organized by the China Development 
Research Foundation. 
Stating that the scientific evidence on the threat of global warming and the 
link with greenhouse gas emissions is overwhelming, Stiglitz said China's 
commitment to increasing energy efficiency is "particularly commendable." 
"But China should do more in terms of its new role of global leadership," 
said Stiglitz. 
For example, he said, China could support the initiative of rainforest 
countries to curb deforestation within an expanded Kyoto Protocol as forests 
play an important role not only in avoiding global warming but also in 
preserving bio-diversity. 
"China's plan to conserve resources will reduce timber imports; and it also 
can play a bigger role in helping developing countries with reforestation," said 
Stiglitz. 
Among the important areas where that leadership needs to be exercised, the 
Columbia University professor said, is helping developing countries arrive at a 
common constructive platform on global warming. 
Participants at the forum believe China's green goals provide business 
opportunities. 
For instance, the government recently listed China's top 1,000 State-owned 
enterprises, which consume the lion's share of the energy used by industry, for 
potential savings. 
"These goals mean business opportunities," said Mark Moody Stuart, chairman 
of Anglo American, a global mining giant. 
The company is using new technology in Shaanxi Province which can slash 
carbon emissions by turning coal into gas and liquid fuel. 
(China Daily 03/20/2006 page1)