'For the sake of mankind'

During his keynote address before the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People on Friday in Beijing, Premier Wen Jiabao rose to urge the nation to fight "a tough and prolonged battle" against pollution, to conserve energy and protect the environment.

He made assurances that China would play an active role in seeking progress on international cooperation on climate change while improving efforts domestically.

He pledged to expand forest coverage by at least 5.92 million hectares in 2010 and strive to build an industrial system and consumption pattern with low carbon emissions.