China is getting ready to implement its first strategy to combat climate change, as stated by a senior policy adviser. The country is becoming increasingly concerned about global warming despite its focus on economic growth. Zou Ji, a climate policy expert at the People's University of China in Beijing, mentioned that the national plan will likely establish broad objectives for reducing emissions and addressing changing weather patterns. After several years of preparation and negotiations, the plan is expected to be unveiled this year. Zou emphasized that China is recognizing the growing international concern over greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global temperatures and climate. He noted that the Chinese government is increasingly prioritizing this issue. "When it is approved and released, it will mark China's inaugural official and comprehensive document on climate change." A recent report from a U.N. panel of scientists warned that human activities are likely the cause of global warming. The group of experts provided a projected temperature increase of 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius (3.2 to 7.8 Fahrenheit) in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels that could persist for over a millennium even with a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. China is rapidly advancing towards potentially becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2008, surpassing Germany and trailing only Japan and the United States. It is anticipated to become the top emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009, surpassing the United States, as per the International Energy Agency's prediction. Zou, who has been a member of the Chinese delegation to international climate talks since 2000, stated that Beijing's public response to the panel's findings has been subdued, but they are closely monitoring the numerous warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, acknowledged that wealthy countries bear the most responsibility for reducing emissions, but assured that China would also make contributions. He emphasized that China, as a responsible major power, will not shirk its duties in this regard. Zou mentioned that the program is currently awaiting approval from China's State Council after being reviewed by multiple ministries and agencies, but its release may be delayed due to preparations for an upcoming Communist Party congress. Alan Dupont, an expert on climate change and security at the University of Sydney, explains that President Hu Jintao faces the challenge of balancing economic growth and job creation with reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in order to secure the stability and future of China. Despite the government's secretive nature, there are indications that Beijing is starting to realize the importance of addressing climate change in achieving its goals of prosperity, stability, and global influence. Zou stated that climate experts are getting ready to present information on global warming to China's top leaders. This will be the first time that one of their usual study sessions will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political arena.