China to have a renewable energy holiday

China will celebrate a "National Low Carbon Day" beginning June 2013.

The State Council, or China's cabinet, decided last week to introduce a National Low Carbon Day in another move to cut greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions in the world's largest emitter of these dangerous gases. The National Low Carbon Day will fall on the third day of the National Energy Efficiency Promotion Week in June every year.

The introduction of the National Low Carbon Day beginning 2013 is aimed at promoting awareness about climate change and low carbon development policies, encouraging public participation and facilitating the China's commitment to reduce GhG emissions, the State Council said in a statement.

The idea of establishing the low-carbon day comes at a time when China is working hard to fulfill its commitment to reduce GhG emissions. The government has pledged to cut the energy use per unit of GDP by 16% by 2015 from the level in 2011, while lifting non-fossil fuel energy usage to 11% of the country's total energy consumption from the current 8.6%.

To meet targets, the government has adopted a range of measures that include closing outdated thermal power plants and iron and cement workshops and a push for the use of clean energy such as solar and wind power.

The government hopes to further reduce GhG emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40% to 45% compared to 2005 levels.