The "UK-China Low Carbon Campaign" project, co-organized by the British Consulate-General and Chongqing government, continues to encourage public participation in low carbon policy-making and promote a low carbon lifestyle. The fourth phase was launched on 29 December; at the same time they are running a "Low Carbon Golden Idea" competition.
The Consulate-General has worked with Chongqing News net on the UK-China Low Carbon Campaign website since 2007, aiming at raising public awareness on climate change, raising business awareness of the issues and encouraging the active involvement of government organizations in low carbon policy-making. The initiative has received strong support from Chongqing Development & Reform Commission, Chongqing Municipal Information Office, Chongqing Economic and IT Commission and Chongqing Environment Protection Bureau.
In Phase IV of the project, they aim to provide an online platform enabling local government to hear public opinion and promoting increased government acceptance of public opinion in its decision-making. Therefore, they have launched a "Low Carbon Golden Idea" competition seeking suggestions from the public on Chongqing's low carbon development policies. Mr Simon Lever, the British Consul-General, said: "Chongqing is the low carbon pilot municipality in western China and the UK has a lot of experience to share in this area. I believe the Low Carbon Golden Idea Competition will encourage more members of the public to engage in serious discussions of low carbon development".