China's climate goal a boost to talks

Written by Emma Graham-Harrison on 26 November 2009 for Reuters

This article was written in the aftermath of China's announcement to cut carbon intensity by 40% from 2005 levels by 2020. But in an analysis of the details stemming from this announcement, Chris Raczkowski pointed out that after targets have been been established, the real difficult work will be to ensure those targets are carried out, especially in China. "I think the question that will immediately follow is the favorite three initials that the United States keeps talking about - M, R, and V - how China is going to measure, report, and verify these cuts." He also said it was highly unlikely that Beijing will allow foreign inspectors check its progress, and the government has said this measure is still voluntary, bringing into question how much affect it will have long-term.