Chinese President Hu Jintao urged renewed efforts to curb global warming on Saturday, stressing "time is limited" in finding efficient solutions to the problem, state media reported.

"How we cope with climate change is related to the country's economic development and people's practical benefits. It's in line with the country's basic interests," Hu said according to the official Xinhua news agency.

"Our task is tough, and our time is limited. Party organisations and governments at all levels must give priority to emission reduction ... and bring the idea deep into people's hearts," the president said.

Hu said more efficient energy use and increased forest coverage were among the ways in which China could make a difference.

It is China's long-held position that developed countries are mostly responsible for climate change.

But China's greenhouse gas output has soared in recent years as its largely coal-powered economy has expanded at double-digit pace, and it now ranks alongside the United States as the world's biggest emitter.

However China has a population of more than 1.3 billion people, compared with around 300 million in the United States.