Environmentalists back China's green credentials

The world's environment is deteriorating at an alarming speed. Economic growth has come at a high environmental cost. Pollution of the air, water and land is having a serious impact on the well-being and health of people and on the world's ecosystems. These environmental problems are not only affecting China. Emissions of CO2 contribute to global warming, and degradation of land and forests and air pollution may have consequences far beyond national borders.

The Chinese government has now placed a strong emphasis on improving the situation. In its efforts to achieve an economic growth that is compatible with sustainable development, China has a mutual interest with Norway in combating a deteriorating global environment.

Our two countries have cooperated on environmental issues for more than a decade. A good platform for collaboration has now been established. Dialogue and project cooperation within the spheres of climate change, air and water pollution, hazardous substances and biodiversity have been useful for both countries and have allowed for the development of a common understanding and a strengthened capacity in dealing with important environmental challenges.