NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted February 20, 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 14, 2009 - February 20, 2009
Clinton tries to build China climate pact
In travelling to China on her first trip abroad as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton hopes to reconfigure Sino-US relations to include a heavy focus on climate change. Clinton will attempt to set up a presidential summit later this year between Barack Obama and Hu Jintao to work on a cooperative development of renewable energy and energy efficient technology.
Guardian (February 14, 2009)
Also see: "Climate change on table for Clinton in China"
China says willing to work with US on climate change
Jiang Yu, a spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry, said Thursday that cooperation with the United States is vital making concrete progress in fighting global warming. The comments coincide with similar remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the need to develop closer ties with China on climate issues.
AFP (February 19, 2009)
Also see: "Crisis not to weaken fight for a green world"
Clinton says U.S. and Japan should aid China on clean energy
In her first trip abroad as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. and Japan should work with China on clean energy. In order to help China avoid their own harmful pattern of development, she proposed that the two countries assist in creating energy-efficient homes, offices, and vehicles.
Reuters (February 17, 2009)
China to offer rebates on green vehicles
In an effort to promote energy savings, the Chinese government will offer cash rebates of up to 600,000 yuan to buyers of alternative energy cars and buses in 13 major cities.
Reuters (February 17, 2009)
Waste-dumping businesses along China's Yangtze River face prosecution
In an effort to improve water quality of the Yangtze River, Chinese Vice Minister of Environmental Protection Zhang Lijun said that the ministry will inspect and punish businesses illegally discharging waste.
Xinhua (February 16, 2009)
Beijing Olympics met environmental pledges: UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said in an assessment report that the Beijing Olympics met China's environmental pledges. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said that China's task now is to turn environmental achievements from the Olympics into a long term green legacy.
Xinhua (February 19, 2009)
China vows efficient water usage
China plans to combat the reality of shrinking wetlands by imposing stricter enforcement on water usage. In addition to using water quotas, authorities will adopt measures encouraging water-saving irrigation methods and reduction of water pollution.
China Daily (February 15, 2009)
Beijing to get solar thermal power
China will begin constructing Asia's first 1.5-megawatt solar thermal power station next month. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has said that China plans increase its use of solar thermal power to 150mW by 2015.
China Daily (February 19, 2009)
China eyes independent nuclear power development
Zhang Guobao, head of China's National Energy Administration, signaled that China will promote domestic technologies in developing nuclear power projects. With 22 nuclear power reactors currently under construction, China plans to utilize nuclear power as a major energy source.
Xinhua (February 18, 2009)
Nation to boost gas production
China plans to boost production of oil by 4 percent and natural gas by 58 percent by 2011 in order to meet rising domestic demand.
China Daily (February 18, 2009)
China adds environmental, land-use indices to foreign investment criteria
In an effort to tighten scrutiny of energy-intensive and polluting facilities, China plans to add an environmental protection index and a land-use intensity index to the evaluation of foreign-funded investments.
Xinhua (February 20, 2009)
Clean-energy forum lets U.S., China swap ideas
Participants in the U.S. China Clean Energy Forum determined that the two countries can begin cooperating on clean energy by co-funding a joint research and development center with shared intellectual property, creating tax-free "special energy zones" and training energy-conservation auditors.
Seattle Times (February 18, 2009)
Go green, will pay, Chinese say
In a new survey published by Greenpeace China, Chinese citizens indicated they were willing to pay an average of 19.15 percent more for clean energy. The survey demonstrates a wide public acceptance of clean energy, with 69 percent saying clean technologies would help economic growth and 58 percent believing they could create more jobs.
China Daily (February 19, 2009)
Nearly 1,500 more cars in Beijing daily: state media
An indication that Beijing's new curbs on driving have not made a significant impact, the city has seen the addition of almost 66,000 new cars since the start of the year. Head of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau Song Jianguo warned that Beijing, already gridlocked and polluted, will face "serious traffic pressure and safety risks" as a result of the proliferation of vehicles.
AFP (February 17, 2009)
China study blames indoor burning for lung ailment
A recent study in China shows that exposure to burning solid fuel indoors may cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease long associated with smoking. Around 73 percent of those in the study had been exposed for at least a year to burning fuel indoors.
Reuters (February 18, 2009)
China urged to cut use of nitrogen fertilisers
In a new article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Chinese experts are urging farmers to reduce use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. They argue that excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in China has polluted its groundwater, produced acid rain and soil acidification, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Reuters (February 16, 2009)
China seeks slimmer, more efficient steel sector
In an effort to reduce its huge surplus capacity of steel and cut down on inefficiency, China is considering raising steel industry standards. The plan includes restricting steel production, forcing mills to move to coastal regions and eliminating inefficient equipment.
Reuters (February 18, 2009)
China unveils plan to preserve ecological safety in Tibet
China's State Council on Wednesday approved a plan to protect Tibet's ecological system against global climate change. Components of the plan include strengthening pasture protection against desertification, reinforcing the preservation of wetlands, and promoting the use of clean energy.
Xinhua (February 19, 2009)
The Chinese organic food industry in recent years has been growing exponentially, with China jumping to second worldwide in the amount of land under organic management. The boom is in large part due to expatriates living in China who like to eat raw vegetables in salads but are worried about the sanitation of other local produce.
Global Post (February 19, 2009)
Editorials
How America Can Turn China Green
Given the need to work with China on climate issues, Western countries cannot afford to ignore China's call for help paying for CO2 reduction measures. By assisting China through US companies working abroad, politicians can get passed the political resistance that would arise by simply handing money to China.
Newsweek (February 14, 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.
