NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted May 22, 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.
May 16, 2009 - May 22, 2009
Editorial: Supplying a greener industry
Chinese environmental crusader Ma Jun writes on the emergence of environmental transparency, stronger environmental enforcement, and the establishment of legal and policy measures to facilitate public participation in China, and their potential to increase public pressure for companies to green their supply chain.
Guardian (May 19, 2009)
Wal-Mart: Making its suppliers go green
Wal-Mart has been pushing its Chinese suppliers to greatly improve energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact, threatening to pull all orders from companies who do not meet its new standards. Wal-Mart supplier Redbud Dyeing Technology in Jiangsu Province is one success story, having cut coal consumption by one-tenth and aiming to bring toxic emissions down to zero.
Business Week (May 14, 2009)
China to focus on energy efficiency post-Kyoto: state media
According to a recent China Daily report, China may pledge to greatly improve its energy efficiency at the upcoming Copenhagen negotiations instead of committing to direct cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. China will make public its position on the climate change negotiations within two weeks, according to Li Gao, a top climate change official.
AFP (May 16, 2009)
China proposes emission limits on richer nations
In a new document outlining its stance for the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen, China is calling on developed nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2020. China is also asking rich nations to donate at least 0.5%-1% of their GDP to help developing countries deal with climate change.
Wall Street Journal (May 22, 2009)
As Detroit crumbles, China emerges as auto epicenter
With China's auto industry thriving amid a major slump for the rest of the world's automakers, speculation is growing that Chinese companies may "pick up the pieces of Detroit - at a bargain."
Washington Post (May 18, 2009)
China and US held secret talks on climate change deal
A group of senior Republicans and Democrats, many in the current Obama administration, led two missions to China before Obama took office for secret negotiations on joint US-Chinese action on climate change. The talks suggest that Obama advisors came to power already focused on securing close cooperation on climate change between the two countries.
Guardian (May 18, 2009)
Suntech to start new solar project in Jiangsu, China
Chinese solar company Suntech will start a new 1.5 megawatt rooftop solar system project in Jiangsu. The project is expected to be completed by October 2009 and should be eligible for subsidies by the Chinese government as part of its effort to boost its renewable energy sector.
Reuters (May 19, 2009)
China eyes more cash, less gas emissions
If China spends an extra 1 trillion yuan every year to raise energy efficiency, then it can eventually enjoy a standard of living comparable to the developed world while still reducing greenhouse gases, according to a new NDRC research panel.
China Daily (May 21, 2009)
Rural hydropower to get a boost
China will boost the development of small hydropower resources in rural areas, minister of water resources Chen Lei said on Saturday. A recent survey of China's rural water energy resources determined that 128 million kilowatts of hydraulic power can be potentially exploited with small hydropower stations.
China Daily (May 18, 2009)
China phases out pesticide POPs
Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Zhang Lijun announced Monday that China has phased out the production and sale of all pesticides containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as required by the Stockholm Convention.
China Daily (May 18, 2009)
China offers subsidies for green home appliances
Price cuts for energy-efficient home appliances went into effect Thursday to satisfy China's dual goals of increasing domestic consumption and reducing the industry's environmental impact. The cuts, between 300-850 yuan, will apply to energy-efficient air-conditioners, refrigerators, television sets, washing machines and motors.
Xinhua (May 22, 2009)
Light sector plan may generate 3m jobs
China laid out plans yesterday to support and re-tool its light industry sector. In addition to providing financial support to the industry, the plan will slash outdated capacity and energy-intensive products and aim to cut overall pollution by the industry.
China Daily (May 19, 2009)
Pearl River Delta carbon emissions can be cut: WWF
According to a new WWF study, CO2 emissions in the Pearl River Delta could be cut by up to 24 percent by adopting green technology. The group also advocated a four-tier carbon rating system so that manufacturers can credibly demonstrate their green qualifications.
Shanghai Daily (May 20, 2009)
Greener cars get cash infusion
From the beginning of 2010, consumers of cars powered by alternative fuels in Shanghai will get a subsidy of up to 20 percent of the purchase price. The proposal is part of Shanghai's efforts to promote green-energy vehicles in the run-up to its World Expo.
China Daily (May 20, 2009)
Editorial: Can China go green?
Recognizing its own environmental problems and seeing the potential economic benefits, China has emerged as a global incubator for clean-tech. Even with its achievements however, China must still work to bolster its initiatives and make them recession-proof.
Business Week (May 14, 2009)
Related Article: Editorial: China's edge in the energy-efficiency industry
China working on further national plan to address climate change: official
NDRC deputy director Xie Zhenhua indicated that China is working on a new national plan to further cope with climate change. Although Xie did not elaborate much on the plan, he did say it would include a number of pilot projects.
Xinhua (May 20, 2009)
Related Article: China's energy saving target must be ensured: official
Hybrid-power vehicle sales experience embarrassing situation in China
Although hybrid-powered vehicles have gotten much media attention in China in recent months, sales have been lackluster, with Honda reportedly selling only one hybrid from January-April. Those in the industry attribute the lack of sales to the high price of hybrids compared with other, less environmentally friendly vehicles.
People's Daily Online (May 20, 2009)
WB lends $80 mln to finance coal-bed methane project in N China
The World Bank will provide a loan of 80 million U.S. dollars to help China finance a Shanxi coal-bed methane project. Primary goals of the loan are to help China meet a growing energy demand and to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants associated with coal combustion.
Xinhua (May 20, 2009)
(CENA prepared by Jason Portner)
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.
