SENATOR WONG VISITS CHINA FOR CLIMATE TALKS
12 October 2009
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, will travel to China this week for talks to strengthen bilateral collaboration on climate change and to further encourage an ambitious outcome at Copenhagen later this year.
Senator Wong will attend the second Australia-China Ministerial Dialogue on 15 October in Beijing. The first meeting of the Dialogue was held in Canberra in November 2008.
Discussion will focus on domestic action being taken by Australia and China to tackle climate change, bilateral collaboration in areas including clean technology, and key issues for the international climate change negotiations leading up to Copenhagen.
“Australia and China have been working together to forge a global solution to climate change,” Senator Wong said.
“As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China’s engagement will be crucial in achieving an effective political agreement at Copenhagen.’’
Senator Wong said Australia and China shared the challenge of reducing the emissions-intensity of economies that are heavily reliant on coal for energy.
During her visit, Senator Wong will meet Australian and Chinese business representatives to discuss the economic opportunities arising from the transition to lower-carbon economies in China and Australia.
“Australia and China share a desire to support low-carbon economic growth,’’ Senator Wong said.
“Measures which allow developing nations, such as China, to continue economic growth while cutting emissions will be a crucial part of a fair and effective global agreement.”
Media contact: Laura Anderson 0411 143 111