As China's cabinet looks to tackle environmental pollution by increasing fines on invididuals and companies who violate the law, officials have kicked off a week-long educational program dedicated to spreading awareness about energy consumption and the importance of going green.

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According to Xinhua, about 14 Chinese ministries participated in the ceremony on Saturday, June 13, to launch the 'energy saving' week. Reports indicate that between June 14 - 20, a series of activities have been planned to educate the general public on the importance of power conservation and adopting green energy. 

China has made impressive strides in developing renewable energy and promoting energy conservation over the last decade. Since 2005, the carbon dioxide emmission per unit GDP has reduced by up to 33.8 percent, while the energy consumption per unit GDP has also reduced by 29.9 percent. China has set out to increase its use of non-fossil fuels by up to 20 percent and also peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. 

Last year, President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama both pledged to play crucial roles in combating climate change. Both leaders vowed to cooperate in  climate change initiatives to achieve this objective. 

While speaking at a gathering of the National Leading Group on Climate Change, Energy Conservation and Emmissions Reduction earlier in the week, Prime Minister Li Keqiang echoed the same ideas. "China stands ready to work with all other parties to ensure a comprehensive, balanced and strong agreement at the upcoming Paris Conference," he noted.

Premier Li explained that the country is set to meet the energy conservation goals in the 12th Five-Year Plan, ECNS reported. According to the plan, China would increase its usage of non-fossil fuel by 3.1 percent between 2010 to 2015, decrease energy consumption per unit GDP by 16 percent and also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 17 percent in the same period. 

Premier Li hinted that China could peak its carbon dioxide emissions at a much earlier date than 2030. There have been some speculations among experts that China would place a cap on carbon dioxide emissions as early as in the 13th Five-Year Plan.  

TagsChina Energy Conservation, China Energy Saving Week, China Carbon Dioxide Emissions, China Fossil Fuel, China Climate Change