Still, the goal of achieving a 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2010 seems a long way off.

ECONOMIST: China, India and climate change

In 2006, the first year of the plan, the country's reduction in energy intensity, which measures energy consumption per unit of economic output, was a mere 1.23%.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Growth has risen faster than emissions, at global and national levels, and more is to come: China's latest national plan, for example, calls for a 40-45% reduction in carbon intensity without compromising economic development.

BBC: Emissions and growth continue their dance

Slashing carbon intensity can also help foster emerging carbon-reduction technologies.

CNN: Obama's China trip is high-stakes mission for environment