Even without a globally binding treaty, China, being the world's second largest economy, is putting in a great deal of effort, said Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon when meeting with the press at this year's climate change conference in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 4.

"The Chinese Government has been making smart investments with the aim of diversifying their energy sources to mitigate and adapt according to their own national government policies," explained Ban. "This is highly commendable."

"I really hope China can continue to invest in a smart way," he said.

Ban also hopes that other BASIC countries—India, Brazil and South Africa—can take on an important role together with China.

Meanwhile, Ban said the overall climate change issue should be led by the developed world, because "they have the most resources and modern technologies."

Many developing countries simply do not have the same abilities. Developed countries should provide technologies and financial support so that the developing ones can mitigate and adapt, he said.

While climate change is caused mostly by industrialized countries, the impact of climate change does not discriminate and will affect both in the same negative way, regardless of whether or not they are rich or poor, said Ban. "Rich countries should take the lead and the U.S. should play a very important role."