NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted April 24, 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.
April 18, 2009 - April 24, 2009
China considers setting targets for carbon emissions
Su Wei, a leading member in China's climate change negotiating team, said that the Chinese government for the first time is considering setting a national target for carbon emissions. The targets would limit emissions relative to economic growth in the country's next five-year plan from 2011.
Guardian (April 19, 2009)
Slump tilts priorities of industry in China
In light of the economic downturn, China has shifted priorities from reducing pollution to reinvigorating growth. In light of some policy changes, such as new rules that fast-track environmental approval, Environmentalists are worried that China is laying the foundation for "another toxic cycle of hypergrowth."
New York Times (April 18, 2009)
China puts its electric vehicles on center stage
Chinese auto makers unveiled a slew of energy-efficient vehicles at the Shanghai auto show, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of China's car industry and giving hope that it can help reduce the country's air pollution. The Chinese-made battery-powered cars are intended to be much less expensive than those by foreign companies and may be cheap enough for the average Chinese farmer and other rural residents to afford.
Wall Street Journal (April 21, 2009)
Five nuclear plants in pipeline
China will begin construction on five nuclear power plants this year as part of its effort to expand nuclear power capacity to 40 gigawatts by 2020, 4 percent of the nation's total power capacity.
China Daily (April 21, 2009)
Related Article: China starts building 3G nuclear power reactors
Group urges Beijing to cut coal emissions
In a report done in cooperation with the Chinese government, the International Energy Agency warned that China must clean up its coal sector and outlined steps to reduce pollution. The list of recommendations include tougher enforcement of regulations, more foreign investment in energy, and instituting a price on carbon emissions, a move that Beijing has so far rejected.
Wall Street Journal (April 21, 2009)
Related Article: Nation to clean its coal habit
Yangtze hydro projects to get a boost despite increasing opposition
China plans to boost hydroelectric projects along the Yangtze River despite increasing opposition, particularly from environmental groups concerned about potential damage to the ecology of the river. The plan will boost percentage of Yangtze River's water resources in use to 30 percent by 2030, up from the current rate of 17.8 percent.
China Daily (April 21, 2009)
China to meet 2010 pollution targets: minister
In a report delivered to China's National People's Congress, China's environment minister Zhou Shengxian stated that China is on track to meeting its pollution targets by 2010, although the country's dependence on coal obstructs further pollution reduction and pollution remains a serious problem in developed regions. Zhou said that sulfur dioxide emissions are expected to be at 22 million tons by 2010, 10 percent lower than the 2005 baseline.
Reuters (April 23, 2009)
Related Article: Pollution in Chinese cities 'extremely severe'
Cities set to jointly fight air pollution
According to a new government plan, clusters of cities will work together to ensure cleaner air. The plan, which will begin with the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tiajin-Hebei region, will likely include regional emissions caps.
China Daily (April 23, 2009)
China shines in green project spend
The World Resources Institute has reported that 38 percent of China's stimulus package is directly or indirectly linked to green industries and environmental protection. However, there is concern over local implementation of the projects, particularly that local governments will forgo environmental impact assessments for the sake of economic growth.
China Daily (April 17, 2009)
Shanghai builds China's biggest offshore wind farm
Shanghai is currently constructing China's biggest offshore wind farm near the Shanghai East China Sea Bridge. The project, composed of 34 wind-driven generators, will have an installed capacity of 100,000kw and supply enough electricity to power 200,000 homes.
China.org.cn (April 17, 2009)
Climate risk for Yangtze River: report
A new report by the China Academy of Science warns that climate change and major water conservation projects will negatively affect the long-term health of the Yangtze River. The report cites a recent drop in rainfall and increase in severe droughts and states that the Three Gorges Dam is damaging overall water quality, ecosystems, and fish stocks.
China Daily (April 20, 2009)
38 poisoned in gas leak in Zhejiang Province
At least 38 people were poisoned from a toxic gas leak in Zhejiang Province. The accident took place while dismantling a tank containing the poisonous gas benzene at a chemical plant in Jinyun County.
Xinhua (April 21, 2009)
Drive to discard polluting vehicles
Shanghai is considering a plan to offer consumers a cash incentive to scrap old cars and buy newer ones with higher emissions standards.
China Daily (April 21, 2009)
China's forests have role in soaking up CO2 -study
A new Peking University study shows that China's forests and other vegetation absorbed between 28 and 37 percent of its greenhouse gases in the late 20th century, although that rate may be falling due to a surge in industrial emissions. The study gives the first estimate of the impact plants have in offsetting China's carbon dioxide emissions.
Reuters (April 22, 2009)
China building new panda breeding centre
China will begin construction of a new giant panda breeding center in the Wolong nature reserve to replace the habitat destroyed by the Sichuan earthquake. The new center will provide a home to 142 captive pandas, about 60 percent of the world's total.
AFP (April 20, 2009)
Vestas Wind Systems has opened a wind-turbine facility in Inner Mongolia that will produce 800 turbines a year. The move comes as Beijing is promoting alternative energy, bringing the wind-powered sector on track to generate 100 gigawatts by 2020.
Wall Street Journal (April 22, 2009)
Electric power-train firm eyes China's buses
NRDC vehicles specialist Roland Hwang cautions that America needs to try to stay ahead of the curve with vehicle technology in an article about Adura's work developing electric power-trains for China.
San Francisco Chronicle (April 20, 2009)
China calls for a "low carbon" lifestyle nationwide
This year's Earth Day marks the beginning of a one-year carbon emission reduction program by China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). The program, meant to encourage citizens to adjust their lifestyle to be more environmentally friendly and raise awareness of energy saving and emissions reduction, will include 11 major cities around China.
Xinhua (April 22, 2009)
China won't copy US and EU in bioenergy development
National People's Congress member Yin Chengjie said Monday that due to rigid domestic demand for grain crops, China will not use corn and rapeseed for bio-energy production and will focus on crops with a higher annual output.
Xinhua (April 21, 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.
