China Environmental News Alert
Posted December 25, 2009 in Greening China
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. This China Environmental News Alert is a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment.
December 12, 2009 - December 18, 2009
China says "development right" key in climate talks
A Chinese official said that China will treat a 2010 binding global climate change pact as a struggle over the “right to develop.” Controversy surrounding this pact centers on how China will incorporate domestic emissions reduction goals into an international climate deal, and what type of support China will receive from rich countries. Also complicating this process are arguments against an intrusive international verification system of emission reductions in China, as China has declared this a violation of national sovereignty. These contentious issues indicate that future deal-making on global climate issues might prove difficult.
Reuters (December 21, 2009)
Developing nations' diplomats hail China's efforts in Copenhagen talks
Diplomats from developing countries praised China’s efforts in Copenhagen, stating that China played an important leading role and served as a responsible big developing country. China maintained the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” and worked toward securing the development rights of developing nations. Diplomats also said China provided an exceptional example of a rapidly developing country that is also effectively addressing climate change.
Xinhua (December 21, 2009)
Beijing rejects UK Copenhagen criticism
China has rejected the claim that the British government made in regard to China “blocking” a legally binding agreement at the COP15 climate negotiations last week. The announcement also asserted that the British government is trying to “create discord” among developing countries by making these remarks. China has also recently been fending off similar criticism from other global powers, including the EU, undoubtedly raising tension and shifting blame in international climate politics.
Financial Times (December 22, 2009)
India, China stronger from climate meet
The U.N. climate panel said that the BASIC bloc—China, India, Brazil and South Africa—has become an important force in international climate politics, paving the way for leadership in future climate negotiations. As the world looks to Mexico City for the next international climate talks in December 2010, these emerging countries will play an extremely important role in shaping a legally binding global climate agreement.
Reuters (December 23, 2009)
China considers compulsory green energy purchases
China is considering a legal amendment to the Renewable Energy Law, which would require electricity grid companies to buy power produced by renewable energy sources. The draft of the amendment also states that power enterprises refusing to buy renewable energy from local producers will be fined up to double the amount of the economic loss for the renewable energy company. Many lawmakers warn against the blind development of renewable energy, while others draw attention the great potential of renewable energy in China.
Xinhua (December 22, 2009)
Eleven officials penalized after NW China lead poisoning scandal
Eleven county officials have been penalized after 851 children were found to have suffered from lead poisoning in Fengxiang county, Shaanxi province, earlier this August. The officials worked with the county government and environmental protection authorities of the central Chinese province. In addition, the managers of the Dongling Lead and Zinc Smelting Co., Ltd., have been removed from their posts. Other remediation tactics are currently being carried out in Fengxiang.
Xinhua (December 22, 2009)
Wen: China sets pace in new energy, afforestation
During his speech at the opening session of the final summit segment of the UN climate change conference, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao noted that China’s renewable energy has increased by 51 percent between 2005 and 2008, and China’s forest coverage registered a net increase of 20.54 million hectares between 2003 and 2008. These clean and new energy programs, in addition to others, such as hydro-power, nuclear power, and use of bio-gas, have produced energy equivalent to a reduction of 49 million tons of carbon dioxide gases, displaying China’s seriousness in regard to reducing emissions.
Xinhua (December 18, 2009)
Green efforts spring from Chinese desert
There has been a clean energy initiative taking place in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, and the results have clearly benefited the environment: the planting of willows in the desert can reduce sandstorms by holding down the soil, and then later be harvested and burned for electricity; this process produces a marginal amount of greenhouse gases in the process. Famers who engage in these tree-planting initiatives are compensated, providing much needed salaries. China hopes to create more clean energy projects in order to reach its national goal for renewable energy to account for 15% of fuel consumption by 2020.
USA Today (December 23, 2009)
China's biggest oil refinery to make cleaner gasoline
China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. started operations that can produce gasoline that meets strict European vehicle emission standards. The refinery is located in Zhejiang and can produce 1.5 million metric tons of gasoline a year. Although China still plans to increase domestic consumption of gasoline, producing Euro V gasoline will also allow them to export when domestic markets are down.
Oil and Gas Industry News (December 23, 2009)
Five held in toxic pollution probe in east China province
After villagers in east China’s Anhui province reported massive water pollution earlier this month, an investigation carried out by the local Environmental Protection Bureau has led to the detention of five men who dumped more than 1000 barrels of waste in roadside ditches and a pool. Though the waste contained several toxic chemicals, a spokesperson from the Bozhou Bureau of Environmental Protection announced that no deaths or illnesses have yet been reported in connection with the dumping. According to the garbage contractor, the waste came from a pharmaceutical plant in nearby Zhejiang province.
Xinhua (December 24, 2009)
Official says China plans to create reserve of rare earths to manage resource demand
China will create a reserve of rare earths next year, preventing the waste of exotic or rare metals used in clean-energy products and computers. China almost produces all the rare earths used in batteries for cell phones, hybrid car batteries and other high-tech goods. China accounts for 95% of global production but only 60% of global consumption of rare earths, and this reserve will help strengthen the protection of these resources.
Associated Press (December 23, 2009)
Food safety a priority as Shanghai officials get ready for Expo
As the six-month World Expo approaches Shanghai next summer, city government officials are considering methods of increasing governance and regulation of food safety standards for the estimated 70 million visitors. At least 85 percent of these visitors are expected to eat inside the Expo zone, which will have more than 130 restaurants, including numerous street food vendors—posing a formidable obstacle to effective regulation.
Shanghai Daily (December 25, 2009)
Major environmental events in 2009 in China
This article offers a summary of major environmental pollution incidents in China over the past year, including: corruption and misuse of funds in addressing water pollution treatment across the nation; international attention for Chinese freelance photographer Lu Guang’s startling documentation of “Pollution in China”; a controversial program initiated by BASF, the largest chemical company in the world, near the Three Gorges Dam; excessive blood-lead levels in over 1600 children in NW and central China; and large protests in Guangzhou decrying the creation of a toxic-spewing waste incinerator.
Global Times (December 22, 2009)
(CENA prepared by Sabrina Orlins)
* The links and article summaries in this post are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
See our bilingual (English and Chinese) blog dedicated to discussion of China's environmental law, policy and public participation at http://www.greenlaw.org.cn.
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Comments
Asa — Dec 25 2009 10:04 AM
Perhaps the time is fast approaching for a boycott of all Chinese exports not externally verified as having low carbon intensity.
After all, all of us who are purchasers of stuffs are co-responsible for the pollution released while producing them. At Copenhagen, the EU and US were unable to offer compelling carrots or sticks to China to ensure a legally binding agreement because of our economic enmeshment.
Consumers are responsible for the outcomes of the products they purchase. Time to take responsibility?
Richard Derman — Dec 27 2009 08:53 PM
I must agree with ASA,, except that I don't think the comment went far enough. Modern products are brought together from a myriad of sources, and certifying compliance of a specific product would be very difficult, if not impossible. It is the Chinese government that needs to be "educated" via market forces. Granted, this would be a very difficult step for us, given our dependence on "cheap" Chinese products to float our standard of living, and how intertwined the multi-national companies are with their Chinese manufacturing operations.
Change will come when consumers vote with their pocketbooks for products that are manufactured in countries that have not torpedoed climate change talks for short term advantage.
It is clear that there is a hidden cost to these exports, both in environmental and human terms. If going green is what starts to move jobs back to the US, that would be a very big plus.