Global collaboration on climate change has entered a new stage as challenges brought by global warming have become increasingly urgent, said Xie Zhenhua, vice-chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission on Monday.

Germany's largest bank, Deutsche Bank AG, has declared it will not finance a controversial coal port expansion in Australia near the Great Barrier Reef, responding to calls from green groups and tourism operators.

Though the rate of coal mine accidents in China has declined over the past decade, more coal mines will be shuttered, a senior work safety official said on Thursday.