The 20 ways to 20% campaign was started in January 2007 by WWF for the purpose of promoting awareness of, and encouraging public’s engagement in, energy saving.

Frequent hurricanes, droughts, and floods as well as accelerated melting of glaciers, and extinction of various species are all examples of how deeply global warming and climate change are impacting the human environment. Since the number one cause of global warming is carbon dioxide emission from fossil fuel consumption, reducing the use of fossil fuels would be highly effective at slowing global warming. 
 
In 2005, the Chinese government proposed lowering energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20 percent as the conservation goal in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan and as the primary strategy for handling climate change. However, as China is currently experiencing a period of rapid economic development, reaching this goal will require a joint effort from the entire society. 

Residential energy consumption in China has grown annually as living standards have become higher.  Statistics indicate that residential energy consumption was 25 percent in 2005, up from 15 percent during the 80s. This means that saving energy in everyday living will be vital to reaching China’s efficiency goal. 

In order to encourage participation in saving energy, the 20 ways to 20% campaign was started in January 2007 with combined support from the government, academic community, media, corporations, and NGOs. Through training, public speeches, efficiency competitions, and other such activities, they aim to raise public awareness of the importance of energy saving and to cooperate with local voluntary organizations in carrying out the government’s conservation policies. 
 
In September 2007, a large-scale competition to conserve energy opened simultaneously in communities, schools, universities, and online. As the Olympic Games approach, various contests will reveal just who are the champions of conservation in their community. This competition forms the core of the 20 ways to 20% campaign. 
 
There are many ways to save energy in daily life. Whether by turning the air conditioning up by a degree, switching to a more efficient light bulb, or using public transportation, every person can make an important contribution to the effort.