NRDC China Environmental News Alert

NRDC has been working in China for over twelve years on such issues as energy efficiency, green buildings, clean energy technologies, environmental governance and public participation, and green supply chain issues.  Beginning today, we will post a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment.  Enjoy!

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First trip for Clinton aims at China, climate
In her first trip abroad as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is making a stop in China to discuss climate and energy policy.  President Obama has sent early signals about the importance of working with China to combat global warming.  Special envoy on climate change Todd Stern, who will be accompanying Clinton on the trip, said that the top goal is to end the endless sparring between the two giant sources of greenhouse gases over who needs to do what first.
New York Times (February 4, 2009)

Wen: China gives top priority to meeting challenge of climate change
Wen Jiabao told the Financial Times on Sunday that the Chinese government supports all measures in meeting the challenges of climate change and the development of a green economy.  In its most recent five-year plan, China has set targets to annually reduce per capita GDP energy consumption by 4 percent and its total energy consumption by 20 percent in five years.
Xinhua (February 2, 2009)

Beijing offers US$140 mln to get high-emission vehicles off road
China has set aside 1 billion yuan to pay subsidies to owners of vehicles with yellow environmental protection labels, which were taken off the roads January 1st to help reduce pollution.  These "Huangbiaoche" vehicles were taken off the road because they failed to meet new emissions standards.  Although they account for only 10 percent of the capital's total number of vehicles on the road, they release about half of total vehicle emissions.
Xinhua (February 5, 2009)

China to invest $85 billion in power industry
As part of its 4 trillion yuan stimulus plan, China plans to invest 580 billion yuan in 2009 to expand its energy industry, including more nuclear and wind-powered generating capacity.  Although the plan calls for investment in alternative energy sources such as wind, nuclear and solar power, it also expands coal-fired generation.
Associated Press (February 4, 2009)

China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
The hydroelectric dam, a low wall of concrete slicing across an old farming valley, is supposed to help a power company in distant Germany contribute to saving the climate - while putting lucrative "carbon credits" into the pockets of Chinese developers.  But in the end the new Xiaoxi dam may do nothing to lower global-warming emissions as advertised. And many of the 7,500 people displaced by the project still seethe over losing their homes and farmland.
Associated Press (January 26, 2009)

Scientists say dam may have triggered China quake
Pressure on geologic fault lines from Zipingpu dam may have helped trigger China's devastating earthquake in May, some scientists said.  Seismologists recognize that large bodies of water may exert pressure on fault lines and thus lead to earthquakes.   An earthquake caused by manmade activity would not be without precedent, as scientists have recorded smaller earthquakes possibly caused by reservoirs, such as that near India's Koyna dam.  Many scientists however, are not convinced that Zipingpu dam caused the earthquake, even if it may have been a factor.
Associated Press (February 4, 2009)

Promoting efficiency as a cost-effective energy resource in China
The U.S. based energy efficiency solutions provider Ecos has become a partner in the China-U.S. Energy Efficiency Alliance.  The alliance, a partnership with NRDC, assists China in the implementation of demand-side management programs (DSM) and has designed China's first large-scale energy efficiency incentive program in Jiangsu Province.
China CSR (February 3, 2009)

Wind Jammers: U.S., China fight out global wind leadership
Wind power has been gaining in the past year, with the US and China leading in its development and instillation.  China has doubled its wind power capacity in 2008 and is now the world's fourth-biggest wind market.  China expects to double its capacity again this year, which would put it only behind the U.S.  Globally, there are now 120 gigawatts of wind power installed, the equivalent of about 40 nuclear power plants.
Wall Street Journal (February 2, 2009)

China urges developed countries to help developing nations address climate change
Chinese Ambassador to the US Zhou Wenzhong said that meeting the challenge of climate change is the "common but differentiated responsibility" of the international community.  Developed countires, said Zhou, have the obligation to promote international cooperation and provide funds and technologies to developing countries.  He also stressed that US and China need to strengthen cooperation on energy and climate change.
Xinhua (February 6, 2009)

Endangered species Milu on track to revival
Once numbering only 18,The Pere David's Deer is staging a dramatic revival, and today numbers 1,317.  The population of Milu has traveled half way around the world to the UK in an attempt to save them and was later returned to Beijing in 1985 in a goodwill mission.  The species is now taking its first steps back into the wild at Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve in Jiangsu province's Yancheng coastal wetlands.
Xinhua (February 4, 2009)

Melting glaciers on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau 'worrisome'
Chinese scientists are worried about the speed that glaciers on the Ginghai-Tibet Plateau are melting.  The glaciers, a significant water source in the region, have receded 196 square km over the past 40 years, a decline equal to about one-fourth the area of New York City.  Xin Yuanhong, a senior engineer in charge of a three-year field study of glaciers in the region, attributes the decline to global warming.
Xinhua (February 5, 2009)

China, Europe and climate demands
During Wen Jiabao's meeting with European officials on Friday, the two sides signed agreements on forestry and clean power in a further sign of how energy and environment are key components of the global agenda.  Wen stressed how the world is increasingly multi-polar and the E.U. needs to work with China on issues like climate change.
New York Times (January 30, 2009)

China's crude oil output hit 190m tons in 2008
The China Petroleum and Chemical Association said that China's crude oil output rose 2.3 percent in 2008, the highest growth in three years.  Oil imports also significantly rose in the past year to 179 million tons of crude oil.  China currently relies on imports for 51 percent of its current oil demand.
China Daily (January 30, 2009)

Vice Premier urges to build clean energy supply system
Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said that China must increase energy efficiency and speed up the development of modern energy industry in order to ensure the country's economic growth.  Li wishes to give priority to clean energy, such as solar, wind, and water power in order to protect the environment.
Xinhua (February 6, 2009)

(CENA prepared by Jason Portner)