Chinese property: the most important sector in the world and other environmental news

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.

March 12, 2010 – March 18, 2010

Chinese property: the most important sector in the world
Wall Street Journal (March 16, 2011)
A leading UBS economist has declared China’s property and construction industry the leading driver of world economic growth. The economist said it was key in shaping commodity demand, external surpluses as well as citizens saving and investment behavior. China’s housing sector accounted for the largest proportion of demand for commodities like steel, copper, iron ore, cement and coal. Last year construction accounted for 13% of Chinese GDP.

China to spend 5 trillion yuan on new energy in next decade
Xinhua, (March 16, 2011)
China plans to spend 5 trillion yuan ($761 billion) on new energy over the next decade. The targeted industries are wind, solar and nuclear power, biomass, hydropower, clean coal and smart grid technology. Chinese officials hope to meet 17% of their energy needs through new energy technologies by 2020. 

China suspends approvals for new nuclear plants
Xinhua (March 16, 2011)
China will stop granting approval for new nuclear power plants until safety measures can be updated in light of the recent nuclear crisis in Japan. . China and the National Nuclear Safety Administration called for a thorough inspection of existing nuclear power plants as well as increasing radiation monitoring nationwide.

China's largest metals trader to plunge into deep-sea mining
People’s Daily (March 17, 2011)
China’s largest metals trader reported it has invested in research and development to begin mining deep-sea mineral deposits. Industry experts believe the ocean produces several billion tons of metals each year. Although not a pioneer in the industry, China is betting deep-sea mineral supplies will help stave off costly raw-material imports.

Death from above: air quality readings
Caixin, (March 14, 2011)
China has rolled out an extensive air quality monitoring system, but experts have criticized the system for not adding PM 2.5 and other pollutants. China currently reports on the number of “blue sky days” per year, but leaves out measurements including pm 2.5 particulate matter and ozone. If included in the index, the number of “blue sky days” – a key indicator of China’s progress combating air pollution – would drop by 40%. 

Sewage system set to go green in Shanghai
Shanghai Daily (March 16, 2011)
A zero waste sewer system is slated for construction in a Shanghai suburb early next year. The pilot program on Chongming Island will treat and reuse all municipal wastewater and ensure almost no waste runs off into surrounding wetlands. 

China detains 22 in latest food scandal: report
Reuters (March 17, 2011)
Chinese police have detained at least 22 people working in pig farms where illegal additives were used. The scandal concerns the addition of ractopamine as well as clenbuterol that promote growth of lean muscle instead of fat. The country’s largest meat processor was identified as one of the suppliers of contaminated meat. In light of the recent scandal China will also investigate over 1,300 pig farms and 130 feed and veterinary food stores.

Charging network for electric vehicles expanded in HK
Xinhua (March 15 2011)
Hong Kong, China has rolled out 300 charging points for new electric vehicle (EVs) across the city. City officials hope the infrastructure will spur further adoption of EVs like the Nissan Leaf.

Chinese cars make inroads in Peru's surging market
Reuters (March 17, 2011)
Peruvians are expected to buy 170,000 new cars in 2011 – a 54% increase from last year. Though Japan and South Korea have traditionally supplied second hand cars to Peru, lower costs of Chinese models are making Chinese cars increasingly attractive to Peruvian consumers. There are currently 96 Chinese car companies competing in Peru.

"Salt rush" in China over radiation fears
Xinhua (March 17, 2011)
Fears of radioactive contamination of Pacific water have led to widespread salt hoarding in China. Consumers bought out entire stocks in supermarkets leaving many restaurant owners and consumers unable to obtain salt. Despite fears the China National Salt Corporation said supplies were ample and also noted that almost no Chinese salt comes from seawater. 

Villagers baffled by returning wolves
Xinhua, (March 13, 2011)
Villagers outside of the Inner Mongolia capitol of Hohhot have reported wolf sightings. The wolves were pushed almost to extinction in the 1950s but have made a comeback after changes in hunting policy and increased habitat protection. Today, killing wolves except for self-defense is not allowed. Experts say the wolves’ return indicated improvement in the grassland ecosystem.

(CENA prepared by Timothy Ingalls)

* 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.

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