China’s recent statements and
policy initiatives demonstrate
growing concerns about
energy security, pollution and
the ability to sustain long-term
economic strategies for
reducing poverty.
Note:: this fact sheet is an update of previous posts here and here.
Download PDF (PDF, 4 pages, 242 Kb)
(includes footnotes & references)
WRI & climate policy in China
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China’s per-capita GDP is less than
one-tenth of U.S. levels, and
about half of its 1.3 billion
people earn less than $2 per
day. Indeed, China confronts
a challenge no other large,
emerging economy has
ever faced: fostering rapid
economic growth while at the
same time limiting harmful
emissions.
Recent Actions By Chinese Officials
On August 27th, 2009, China’s top legislative
chamber adopted a resolution calling
for active engagement in global climate
negotiations, and new domestic initiatives
to “make carbon reduction a new source of
economic growth.” The Standing Committee
of the 11th National People’s Congress also
endorsed new policies and rules
designed
to drive down China’s energy use and emissions.
It also called for improving China’s
capacity to deal with “climate disasters.”
On June 5th, 2009, China’s highest council
announced that the government would
step up efforts to shut down old, inefficient
power plants and factories, and increase
spending on renewables and efficiency.
Premier Wen Jiabo presided over the State
Council Meeting on Climate Change, Energy
Saving and Emissions Reduction, which also
backed increased incentives for consumers
to buy energy-saving appliances, and new
rules that would drive up costs for “energy
wasting” companies.
China’s Evolving Targets
To meet these challenges, China has adopted a
range of new energy policies, rules and targets.
Many of these initiatives are linked to goals
outlined in China’s “National Climate Change
Programme,” approved by the State Council
in June 2007. Indications are that ...
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