The improvement of carbon productivity and human development are not at odds, but rather, they could be achieved at the same time, according to the key findings of the China Human Development Report 2009/10 to be released early next year.

However, human development, which is the ultimate goal of all countries, is not reflected solely by GDP growth. "Human development should provide people with capabilities that enable them to live a long and healthy life, have access to knowledge, enjoy a decent standard of living, and participate in the life of their community and the decisions that affect their lives," said the report.

"The concept of a low carbon economy and society must thus be redefined to fully take human development into account. This is especially crucially for developing economies like China's, in which achieving an acceptable standard of living and enhanced capacities for further sustainable development will continue to be top priorities," said a reported released at a side event of the Copenhagen climate change conference on Tuesday.

Zou Ji, professor of Renmin University and lead author of the report, said the report also found out that when China tries to reduce carbon intensity by 40 to 50 percent, it will also witness a sharp increase in the cost to do so.

China said in late November that it was targeting a hefty 40-45 percent cut in carbon intensity by 2020 from the 2005 level.

"It will cost the country $30 billion more to meet the 45 percent target, and to cost another $80 to 90 billion to achieve the 50 percent target," Zou said, adding that China will spend a lot more effort to meet that goal, but it is still achievable.

Technology will play important roles and have positive effects in the future energy system and green house gas emissions trends in China, Zou said.