NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted March 6, 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.
February 28, 2009 - March 6, 2009
China and U.S. urged to work together for energy efficient future
At the forum on "Developing Effective Mechanisms for Energy Efficiency Implementation in China," deputy head of China's National Energy Administration stressed the need for China and the U.S. to cooperate in the development of clean energy sectors. Chairman of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Jon Wellinghoff said that enhancing energy efficiency in the two countries is the best opportunity to curb global warming.
Xinhua (February 26, 2009)
Also see: "Expert: Chinese economy could expand in cost-effective manner"
Congress debates rich countries' role in helping poor cut CO2
Although developing countries such as China and India are looking to more wealthy countries for assistance in cutting carbon emissions, not all U.S. policymakers are convinced that donations will be put to good use. NRDC China program director Barbara Finamore argues that China understands the necessity to act quickly and has been working towards improving energy efficiency to both reduce emissions and increase global competitiveness.
United Press International (March 4, 2009)
Expert: Economic crisis could be "turning point" for Sino-U.S. ties
Orville Schell, director of the Asia Society Center on U.S.-China relations, suggested Thursday that the dual need to address the global economic downturn and climate change could create a turning point for U.S.-China relations similar to when Mao Zedong and Richard Nixon first met in 1972, ultimately resulting in a safer world.
Xinhua (March 2, 2009)
China vows to reduce emissions
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirmed on Thursday China's commitment to work towards energy savings, emissions reduction, ecosystems preservation, and environmental protection. Speaking at the annual session of the National People's Congress, Wen said that the government will emphasize energy conservation in industry, transportation and construction.
Xinhua (March 5, 2009)
China clings to clean-up amid economic woes
A top economic planner reiterated China's plan to continue pushing for cleaner development even in the face of slowing growth and increasing unemployment. China plans to experiment with cap-and-trade policies for air pollutants, spend more on clean energy technology, and continue shutdowns of outdated power plants and factories.
Reuters (March 5, 2009)
China's draft Energy Law has been submitted for consideration to the State Council's Legislative Affairs Office. If passed, the law will provide much needed guidelines for uses of different energy, property rights of natural resources, and government oversight of energy use.
Beijing Review (March 3, 2009)
China plans to build its way out of crisis
China has responded to the economic crisis by increasing infrastructure projects, a large portion of which will be spent on green projects. A new report by the HSBC Centre for Climate Change states that 34 percent of China's stimulus package is for green investment.
Financial Times (March 4, 2009)
China pledges $2 billion for Tibet environment
China plans to spend 15 billion yuan over the next two decades to protect the Tibetan environment from global warming. The fund will be used to preserve habitats, protect endangered animals, protect against gales, and expand clean energy.
Reuters (March 5, 2009)
Also see: "Tibet to spend 450 mln yuan on environmental protection"
NE Asian officials meet on climate change
Environment officials from China, North and South Korea, Japan, Mongolia and Russia met Thursday for the first time to discuss cooperation in tackling climate change.
Xinhua (March 6, 2009)
32 more designated as resource-exhausted cities
China's State Council has labeled 32 more cities are resource-exhausted, bringing the total number to 44. Cities are designated resource-exhausted if their economic development relied on the exploitation of raw materials currently in decline, such as coal and oil.
Xinhua (March 5, 2009)
Beijing plans to build more efficient heating facilities to cut pollution
In an effort to cut pollution, Beijing plans to build 20 more efficient heating centers over the next two years, adding to the current 10 already in use. Beijing's heating facilities will replace 670 small coal-fired boilers.
Xinhua (March 2, 2009)
China issues regulation on disposal of e-waste
In order to promote recycling and environmental protection, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signed into law a regulation on the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The regulation backs disposal research and technology and bans out-dated treatment methods.
Xinhua (March 5, 2009)
China plans 59 reservoirs to collect meltwater from its shrinking glaciers
China plans to build 59 reservoirs to collect water from melting glaciers in Xinjiang. Increasing temperatures have caused anxiety for the fate of the diminishing glaciers and the millions of people dependant on them for water.
Guardian (March 2, 2009)
'Red card' polluters face credit crunch
Sixteen high polluting Guangdong firms have been warned that they may be denied access to local bank loans. The companies were among 28 given the worst environmental rating by the provincial government.
China Daily (March 3, 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.
