The 36th World Environment Day fell on June 5 this year, featuring the theme "Melting Ice—a Hot Topic?" On June 4, the Chinese Government issued China's National Climate Change Program, detailing the measures it would take to address climate change in the years leading up to 2010.

In a recent press conference held at the Information Office of the State Council, Ma Kai, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change required that the contracting parties formulate, implement, publish and regularly update national programs containing measures to mitigate climate change.

The Chinese Government had ernastly performed this important obligation in accordance with its national conditions and the inherent demands of sustainable development, he said. Under the instruction of the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission had complied China's National Climate Change Program in collaboration with 17 other government departments. It took more than dozens of experts in various fields two years to draft the program before it was approved and officially promulgated by the State Council.

Ma said the program was China's first comprehensive policy document on climate change and also the first national climate change program promulgated by a developing country. The program outlines objectives, basic principles and key areas of actions, as well as policies and measures to address climate change for the period up to 2010, demonstrating China's stance as a responsible big country, he said.  Ma added that the program was expected to play a positive role in China's campaign against climate change and inject fresh impetus into global efforts in this regard.

The program consists of five parts: Climate Change and Corresponding Efforts in China; Impacts and Challenges of Climate Change on China; Guidelines, Principles and Objectives to Address Climate Change; Policies and Measures to Address Climate Change; and China's Position on Key Climate Change Issues and Needs for International Cooperation.