Zou Ji, a climate policy expert at the People's University of China in Beijing, mentioned that China is in the process of developing its first strategy to combat climate change. This plan, which is expected to be released this year after extensive preparation and negotiations, will establish broad objectives for reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns. Zou emphasized that the plan reflects China's growing concern about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming and the potential catastrophic consequences for the world's climate. He also noted that the Chinese government is increasingly prioritizing this issue. China is set to release its first official and comprehensive 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 experts predict a rise in temperatures by 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. Despite its rapid economic growth, China is also projected to become the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009, surpassing the United States. 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 subdued, the government is closely considering the numerous warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, acknowledged that wealthy nations bear the most responsibility for reducing emissions, but emphasized that China will also make contributions. He reassured that China, as a responsible major power, will not shirk its obligations, despite the immense pressure to reduce emissions. Zou mentioned that the proposed 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, explained that President Hu Jintao is confronted with the challenge of turning concern into effective policies that promote economic growth and job creation while also reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Dupont emphasized the importance of sustaining China's economic growth rates of 8 to 9 percent for the stability of the regime and the country's future. Despite China's traditionally secretive government, there are indications that Beijing is increasingly recognizing the threat of climate change to its goals of prosperity, stability, and global influence. Zou said that climate experts are getting ready to give a presentation on global warming to China's top leaders. This will be the first time that a regular study session will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political realm.