NRDC China Environmental News Alert
Posted February 13, 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 7, 2009 -February 13, 2009
U.S. prepares to broach hard issues with China
With Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the helm, the Obama administration plans to realign the United States' relationship with China by widening the focus beyond economic concerns to include climate change, energy, and human rights. The new focus however, could aggravate tensions on sensitive issues like Tibet and China's position as the world's leading emitter of greenhouse gases. Another challenge for Clinton will be to reclaim the role of the State Department in making China policy after the Bush years in which the Treasury dominated.
New York Times (February 10, 2009)
Experts in U.S. and China see a chance for cooperation against climate change
American and Chinese leaders are beginning to recognize the urgency of global warming and are increasingly pointing to global warming as a new focal point in U.S.-China relations. Two reports have recently been released proposing ways on how the U.S. and China can cooperate to reduce emissions, one of which was produced by a commission led by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.
New York Times (February 4, 2009)
Also see: "US-China cooperation on climate change urged," china.org.cn
Developers in China are beginning to see the importance of creating green buildings in China. A small but growing number of buildings in China are pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. So far fourteen buildings have been awarded LEED certification and many others are under construction. In addition, 103 buildings have registered their intent to seek certification.
China International Business (February 10, 2009)
Delays block China's giant water scheme
China's multi-billion-dollar project to divert water to the arid north from wetter, southern areas, is four years behind schedule. Among the reasons for the delays are environmental concerns, mainly that the plan to enlarge the Danjiangkou Reservoir to accommodate the water scheme will reduce the ability of the Han River's ability to clean itself. The delay comes at a time when parts of northern and central China experiencing extreme drought.
BBC (February 8, 2009)
Although support for alternative energy sources has risen over the past year, many observers are worried they may decline if the government fails to give official support to solar power and establishes global standards for wind power. The worry comes as low crude oil and coal prices are reducing enthusiasm for alternative energy sources. Nuclear energy, however, is expected to continue to rise because of continued government support.
China Daily (February 9, 2009)
UK and China work on carbon capture
In an effort to combat climate change, British scientists are working with their Chinese counterparts to develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. Both countries heavily rely on coal and see CCS as a way to continue use of the fossil fuels while still meeting targets on cutting emissions. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has already invested more than 3 million Euros in developing CCS technology in China.
Telegraph (February 9, 2009)
Even after decades of government efforts to halt the problem, China is currently losing the battle to fight desertification. The Gobi desert alone has expanded by 52,400 sq km between 1994 and 1999 and deserts now cover almost a fifth of China's landmass. Hover, people are beginning to realize that central government initiatives alone will not be enough and local governments and NGOs are increasingly investing ways to protect the remaining arable land.
China International Business (February 10, 2009)
Guangdong pollution level falls
Guandong's sulfur dioxide and chemical oxygen demand (COD) have fallen by 5.6 percent and 5.3 percent respectively last year. Zhou Yongzhang, director of the environment research center at Sun Yat-sen University, attributed the drop to the province's efforts to cut pollution in major industrial projects and relocate the worst energy-consuming power plants.
China Daily (February 12, 2009)
Building a clean and beautiful Taiyuan
Over the past several years, as environmental protection has become more and more popular in Taiyuan, the city has seen a dramatic improvement in air quality. Taiyuan's large iron and steel industries and local coal production initially caused the choking pollution, but the air has dramatically improved since city officials began construction on a "green economy." As recent as the year 2000, there were only 45 days in which the air quality index reached grade 2 or above. In 2008, the number was at 302.
China.org.cn (February 6, 2009)
British ambassador to China: tackling climate change is compatible with economic recovery
Days after Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown dicussed environmental issues and economic recovery, Britain's ambassador to China said the two were not mutually exclusive. Britain's ambassador William Ehrman wrote in an article that tackling climate change "can actually help to unlock incentives for investment that will accelerate a global recovery and ease our dependence on oil. Ehrman stressed how China is also taking the lead by announcing reforms to energy pricing policy and promoting energy efficiency in the new stimulus package.
Xinhua (February 7, 2009)
Endangered monkey population revives in China
The Population of an endangered species of snub-nosed monkey in Yunnan has nearly tripled over the past 26 years. Once numbering only 500, the group housed at the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve has grown to about 1,300 due to steady improvement of its ecological environment and a crackdown on poaching.
Xinhua (February 9, 2009)
Even though President Obama plans on pursuing projects to fight climate change, any carbon reductions made in the U.S. will be useless unless China does the same. China has typically pointed to the US as historically being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, while the U.S. says that if they impose carbon controls without China, then they will be at a competitive disadvantage. A bilateral effort by the US and China is needed to get past these differences and succeed in reducing global warming.
Los Angeles Times (February 9, 2009)
Although many in the Western media are quick to blame Beijing indifference to environmental problems, China has begun to take aggressive action to reduce pollution. Most of China's environmental protection measures can be attributed to Pan Yue, vice minister of the newly established Ministry of Environmental Protection. He acknowledged that resistance to pollution controls from local governments makes his job and uphill battle, but he expresses faith in the Chinese people as they become increasingly interested in environmental protection.
International Herald Tribune (February 11, 2009)
Fireworks in Beijing: maybe not such a good idea after all...
Not only did fireworks burn down the CCTV complex during this year's New Year, but they also caused the worst air pollution since last may. Beijing's air quality hit level 5 Tuesday morning, with the air pollution index spiking to 307. The air pollution, coupled with the CCTV fire, has sparked renewed controversy over fireworks, with online surveys showing far more in favor of a renewed ban than those against.
Wall Street Journal Blogs (February 11, 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.
