China is in the process of developing its first plan to address climate change, according to a senior policy adviser. The plan is expected to establish goals for reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns, and is likely to be released this year after several years of preparation. Zou Ji, a climate policy expert, stated that the plan demonstrates China's growing concern about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming and the need to take action. The Chinese government is increasingly focused on addressing this issue. China is on the verge of releasing its first official document on climate change, which comes after a recent warning from a U.N. panel of scientists about the impact of human activity on global warming. The panel estimated that temperatures could rise by 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. Despite China's rapid economic growth, it is projected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009. Zou, a member of the Chinese delegation to international climate talks since 2000, stated that while Beijing's public response to the panel's findings has been restrained, they are closely monitoring the warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, acknowledged that wealthy nations bear the primary responsibility for reducing emissions, but assured that China would also make contributions. He emphasized that as a responsible major power, China will not shirk its responsibilities, despite the immense pressure to reduce emissions. Zou mentioned that the program is currently awaiting approval from China's State Council after being reviewed by numerous ministries and agencies, but there may be delays due to preparations for a major Communist Party congress later this year. Alan Dupont, an expert on climate change and security at the University of Sydney, stated that President Hu Jintao is facing a dilemma on how to implement policies that promote economic growth and job creation while also reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Dupont emphasized the importance of maintaining economic growth for the stability of the regime and the future of China, but acknowledged the growing realization that addressing climate change is essential for China's long-term goals. Despite China's secretive government, there are indications that Beijing is increasingly concerned about how climate change could impact its aspirations for prosperity, stability, and global influence. Climate experts are getting ready to give a presentation on global warming to China's top leaders. This will be the first time that one of their regular study sessions will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political sphere, according to Zou.