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. This China Environmental News Alert is a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment.

January 31, 2010 - February 5, 2010

China's Wen seeks binding climate deal in Mexico

China endorsed the Copenhagen Accord on January 29th to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  Since then, 55 nations have submitted their plans for reducing greenhouse gasses by the January 31st deadline.  China reiterated its goal of a voluntary domestic cut of carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 baseline levels by 2020.  Premier Wen Jiabao has also stated that China wants a “comprehensive, effective, and binding outcome” in Mexico, and stressed again that a deal should uphold principles of the UN convention and the Kyoto Protocol.

Reuters (February 1, 2010)

Related Article from Wall Street Journal: China PM reiterates support for Copenhagen Accord

 

China blows past EU, US with wind turbines

Over the past year, China doubled its wind capacity with 13 gigawatts of new generating capacity, surpassing both the capacities of Europe and the U.S., which are 10.5 gigawatts and 9.9 gigawatts, respectively.  China has taken the development of green power very seriously in efforts to reduce carbon emissions and also provide energy for the economy. With rising oil prices, onshore windpower is roughly cost-competitive with new gas-fired power stations.  The global industry has an increased capacity of 158 gigawatts, and wind power has been the leading renewable energy.

Times Live (February 3, 2010)

Related Article from Energy Matters: Wind energy powered ahead globally in 2009

Industrial Bank launches China's first low-carbon credit card in Beijing

The Industrial Bank and China Beijing Environmental Exchange jointly launched a “low-carbon credit card.”  China’s first low-carbon credit card signifies that China is starting to encourage individual consumers to lead low-carbon lives.   This card allows a cardholder to realize carbon neutrality by having them estimate their annual direct and indirect carbon emissions and paying for them with carbon credit.  China’s annual carbon dioxide emissions per capita are 5.7 tons. This non-plastic card will play an important role in increasing society’s awareness of saving energy and taking individual responsibility to reduce emissions.

CCTV (February 4, 2010)

 

China strives for first 'green' Expo

The World Expo is paving the way for Shanghai to become an eco-friendly city.  Expected to draw up to 100 million visitors during its six months, the Expo is embodying ideas of “green thinking, protecting the environment, harmony and low-carbon.”   The Expo uses solar power to light China’s national pavilion, reducing the huge building’s carbon emissions by 2,500 tons.  It also uses recycled rainwater in public toilets and sprinklers in the green spaces.  All transportation will be in hybrid buses and electric cars and bikes have been donated.  The air quality in the city has already improved and there are hopes that the Expo will be the catalyst for a green future for Shanghai.

Agence France Presse (February 4, 2010)

 

China's coal mining hub urged to adopt low-carbon technologies

Signifying the country’s efforts to ‘green’ energy heavy industries, China’s main coal mining hub in Northern Shanxi Province is being urged to adopt low-carbon technologies such as coal liquefaction and gasification.  Hopefully through new technologies the hub will transform its economic development into one of energy savings, efficiency, and low-carbon emissions. 

Xinhua (January 31, 2010)

 

China skeptical as foreign firms push carbon capture

China is skeptical about the economic value of carbon capture technology, but clean coal experts say that it’s important for China to overcome this hesitation if they want to meet carbon reduction targets.  The government is unsure about carbon capture working on a global scale.  Another concern is that burying large amounts of carbon in the ground takes a lot of pipeline that requires a lot of energy to install; the “energy penalty” would cost around 20-30 percent of the capacity of one power plant to run.  So far many hope the industrial use of carbon dioxide will help reduce costs.

Reuters (February 1, 2010)

 

Bright Shanghai lights block view of astronomers

China’s second largest optical telescope at the Sheshan Shanghai Astronomical Observatory can no longer perform world-class observation or even routine space observation due to the light pollution in the area.  In the past decade, the public has largely ignored light pollution, since there are no apparent threats to public health. However, medical research proves that excessive light around the body causes increased headaches, stress, and anxiety.  Using LED lights can reduce light pollution, as they provide illumination in only one direction.

Xinhua (February 5, 2010)

 

Nanning wins top environmental prize

Nanning has won the 2009 China Baosteel Environmental Award, the top prize for environmental protection in China.  Nanning’s environment is currently at its highest level, with 362 days of good air quality and a record of 224 days of excellent air quality with average densities of dioxide sulfur and dioxide nitrogen decreased by 45%.  Nanning hopes to become a “co-friendly city;” coordinating economic development and environmental protection within five years.

China Daily (February 4, 2010)

 

Look out: electric bikes are an $11 billion industry

The global market for electric bikes has exploded in the last decade, spurred by China where the number of electric bikes is about 120 million, up from a few thousand in the 1990s.  They have entered the transportation sector as wildly popular and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, now making electric bikes a $11 billion industry.

Energy Boom (February 3, 2010)

 

Sharp launches solar powered phone in China

Sharp Corp. has announced a launch of its first solar powered phone.  Launching in China will increase its reputation as a “green company.”  Many eco-friendly devices have low power chargers and have fully recyclable raw materials, but solar-powered devices are rare.  It will be introduced in China and then launched globally later in the year.

Techtree.com (February 3, 2010)

 

 

(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.