Economists urge China to think 'beyond GDP' to head off climate risks

In a report published on Thursday, the team - which includes two former chief economists of the World Bank - also called on China to cap total fossil fuel consumption and establish a detailed "pathway" for reducing emissions.

The report and its recommendations have already been submitted to the Chinese government. Co-author Nicholas Stern, chair of Britain's Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, told reporters he hoped it would play a constructive role in China's 2026-2030 "five-year plan".

The old development model drove rapid growth in China over the last four decades, but is putting the world at "grave risk", the report said.

China is aiming to bring emissions to a peak by 2030, though it currently remains unclear at what level they will peak. Stern said it needed to set a specific numerical target in order to bring "clarity" to its decision-making.

The report also called on China to give greater prominence to public transport and set a timetable for the elimination of fossil-fuel vehicles. China should also promote low-carbon agriculture, including plant-based meat and dairy, it said.