China's top legislature approved Thursday a resolution on climate change. The resolution to "actively deal with climate change" was endorsed by lawmakers at the closing meeting of a four-day session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature. It will accelerate the country's attempts to tackle the pressing challenge of global warming and signals a proactive role for China in negotiating possible solutions to curtailing emissions.

The resolution praised the government work on climate change, emphasized the importance of the issue, clarified guidelines, basic policies, measures as well as China's stance. The resolution says: "With a spirit of being highly responsible for the survival and long-term development of mankind, China will continue constructively participating in international conferences and negotiations on climate change, and advance comprehensive, effective and sustained implementation of the international convention and its protocol." It says the country must commit to energy saving and emissions reductions by promoting energy-efficient technology and products, exploiting renewable and clean energy, developing a recycling economy and further advancing a forestation and forestry carbon sequestration. The resolution says China will adhere to the principles of UNFCCC-endorsed "common but differentiated responsibilities" as well as "sustainable development."