Energy development and environmental protection: dual challenges for China

China's energy consumption is growing very rapidly and along with this are associated environmental problems. However, as per capita energy consumption in the country remains very low, ways must be found to allow continued rapid energy expansion at lower environmental costs. China stands committed to join global endeavours to meet the dual challenges of energy development and environmental protection. This paper reviews China's energy and environment paths and possible future actions to lessen energy-environmental tradeoffs. (author)