NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted March 27, 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.
March 21, 2009 - March 27, 2009
China to realize MDGs for water 6 years ahead
Chinese Minister of Water Resources Chen Lei indicated at the World Water Forum Friday that China will meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving the population without access to safe drinking water by the end of 2013, six years ahead of time.
Xinhua (March 21, 2009)
Also see: Minister of water resources: China to continue efforts in sustainable water system
Opportunities abound in China's environmental monitoring sector
As the Chinese government focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, China's nascent environmental monitoring industry is becoming increasingly important. With the industry enjoying a significant investment in China's newest 5-year plan, along with other government and corporate investment, its future looks promising.
Interfax (March 23, 2009)
China uses green cars to bolster auto sector
In attempts to bolster the nation's auto industry, China will encourage domestic development of more environmentally friendly cars. The plans highlight a shift in the country's industrial policy to encourage the growth of electric-vehicle technology.
Wall Street Journal (March 23, 2009)
Also see: China takes on America in electric car race
Obama taps former Clinton official, BP scientist for DOE
President Obama will nominate David Sandalow to be the assistance secretary for Policy and International Affairs for the Department of Energy. Along with Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Sandalow is expected to have a key role in shaping U.S. cooperation with China on greenhouse gas emissions.
New York Times (March 23, 2009)
In order to catch up with gains in crude prices, China raised domestic gasoline and diesel prices to 3% and 5% respectively on Tuesday. The increase could further weaken an already declining demand for fuel.
Wall Street Journal (March 25, 2009)
China asked to adopt first binding emissions cuts
In a document that will guild upcoming climate negotiations in Bonn, the United Nations asked China and other developing nations to consider accepting binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. China has previously rejected adopting concrete targets until industrialized nations first make reductions.
Bloomberg (March 23, 2009)
Clash of Subways and Car Culture in Chinese Cities
Cities around China are building subways at an incredible rate, a positive sign that has the potential to reduce the need for cars and in turn, greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, however, Chinese cities such as Guangdong are continuing to build sprawling new suburbs, undermining the growth in mass transit.
New York Times (March 26, 2009)
U.S. Big Steel pushes for carbon fees on China
Advocates for the U.S. steel industry are arguing for Obama administration to place fees on Chinese steel if the U.S. adopts greenhouse gas cuts and China does not in order to remove any competitive advantage. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is considering a tax on imports from countries that do not impose carbon emission costs.
Reuters (March 23, 2009)
China to cap steel output at 460 mln tns in 2009
China plans to cap its crude steel output with hopes of both reviving the world's biggest steel industry and reducing pollution from a highly inefficient industry.
Reuters (March 23, 2009)
Shanghai suspends maglev project
Shanghai has suspended construction of a maglev railway project that would run from Shanghai to Hangzhou due to construction of an express railway that will run along a similar route. Citizens who live along the maglev route have been protesting the construction for fears of electromagnetic radiation and potential effects on local real estate prices.
Caijing (March 10, 2009)
Official: Tougher environmental monitoring in 2009
A top environmental official acknowledged that the increased number of construction projects this year from the economic stimulus package is making monitoring and enforcing environmental standards more difficult. The official said that some local governments may compromise environmental standards for economic growth when approving projects.
Xinhua (March 27, 2009)
Solar shares rally on new Chinese subsidy
Solar energy shares soared after the Chinese government announced that it will provide generous new subsidies for the industry. The news is welcomed from an industry that was hard hit by economic crisis, which caused a significant reduction in financing.
Reuters (March 26, 2009)
Macao vows to fulfill emission-reduction commitments
The government of Macao reiterated its commitment to reduce CO2 to levels stated in the Kyoto protocol, as well as implement its own environmental protection and energy saving policies.
Xinhua (March 23, 2009)
Better air for Asiad ‘tough task'
Guangzhou authorities recognize the myriad of challenges to improve air quality by next November, when the 16th Asian Games begin. Authorities may resort to special measures, such as adopting a scheme to alternate vehicles on the road by license plate number, similar to in Beijing during the Olympics.
China Daily (March 25, 2009)
Fish released into Yangtze River to replenish ecosystem
To replenish its fish supplies and restore its ecosystem, 70,000 fish were released into the Yangtze River in Hubei province Thursday. A three-month fishing ban will also take place beginning April 1st.
Xinhua (March 27, 2009)
China's largest freshwater lake starts three-month fishing ban
A three-month fishing ban has been instituted for Poyang Lake after fish populations have slowly been decimated from overfishing, pollution, and mining of river sand.
Xinhua (March 21, 2009)
After scrapping refinery at home, Kuwait awaits China nod
A deal between China and Kuwait to build a new oil refinery in Guangdong is awaiting an environmental impact assessment report before it can continue. The project was originally planned to be built in Guangdong but was eventually scrapped due to environmental concerns.
Reuters (March 26, 2009)
More investment to control pollution in Songhua River Basin
China plans to invest 1.8 billion yuan for pollution control in the Songhua River Basin in Jilin Province. The river was seriously polluted after a nearby chemical plant explosion nearby, forcing Harbin to temporarily suspend water supplies to 3.8 million people.
Xinhua (March 25, 2009)
Shanghai gov't to put lights out
The Shanghai municipal government will participate in the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour initiative, a world-wide lights out campaign to reduce CO2 emissions.
Shanghai Daily (March 25, 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/enblog.
