AIR QUALITY
Facts
South China braces for tropical storm Nangka
June 26, 2009
Nangka, the fourth tropical storm of the year, was forecast to make landfall in coastal areas of southeast China Friday night or Saturday, the National Meteorological Center said Thursday.
The eye of Nangka was located at 16.45 degrees north and 118.10 degrees east as of 4 p.m. Thursday, and in the east of South China Sea, packing winds of up to 72 kilometers per hour.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/26/content_18020265.htm
Beihai: high concentration of PM10 causes abnormal air quality recently
June 23, 2009
According to information from EPB of Beihai city, Guangxi Zhuang Municipality, bad air quality appeared in Beihai city recently, and the main season is the huge variation of concentration of PM10. From May 1st to 15th this year, the concentration of PM10 (the dominant pollutant) rose up 0.040 mg/m3 year to year. The authority agency pointed out that the sources of PM10 in that period were increasing construction fields and vehicles, and adverse weather also influenced removing process of particles. The air quality is better now because of the positive measures from EPB.
Chinese link: http://www.bbwnews.com.cn/news/zh/20090623/64995.shtml
ENERGY
Initiatives
SDIC Huajing 'super power' move Okayed
June 26, 2009
Shanghai-listed SDIC Huajing Power Holdings Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the State Development and Investment Corp (SDIC), has got the nod to restructure its power generating assets to create a super power company.
SDIC Huajing Power Holdings said that it received approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, to acquire SDIC Electric Power Co from its parent for 7.69 billion yuan (US$1.13 billion).
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/26/content_18020146.htm
Biggest hydropower station in Guizhou starts debugging
June 25, 2009
The Goupitan hydropower station, a key part of the "west-east power transfer" project, is the largest of its kind to be built in the history of Guizhou Province in southwest China.
It has a total installed capacity is 3 mln kilowatts. There are five hydro-generating units altogether. The capacity of a single unit reaches 600,000 kilowatts. At present, the first unit is at the debugging phase, and will be put into production in the second half year.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/25/content_18014145.htm
Sun set to shine on solar industry in China
June 25, 2009
As the world's largest solar-panel producer for the last two years, China already is a major solar player. But now, some industry experts say, it's expanding from being mainly a solar-panel supplier to also becoming a substantial customer.
"China, which already is important in production, is also going to be a large solar market," Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, head of energy policy for the Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems, said last week at a roundtable to discuss trends in advance of the Intersolar North America conference next month. That's an exciting prospect, as China -- with its population of 1.3 billion -- is soon expected to overtake the United States as the largest energy consumer in the world.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/25/content_8320151.htm
China, Arab nations to estabish energy co-op mechanism
June 25, 2009
China and 22 Arab nations agreed to establish a cooperative mechanism on energy resources, according to an outcome document approved by the sixth senior officials' meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Wednesday.
The document said the two sides agreed that cooperative mechanisms for energy resources, including renewables such as solar and wind, should be established among the governments, State-owned and private enterprises.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/25/content_8322976.htm
China commits to offshore renewable energy
June 24, 2009
China is planning to construct a number of 10 GW wind power bases in the coming years, in a bid to further boost the development of the country's renewable energy industry, the country's top energy official said recently.
Zhang Guobao, administrator of the National Energy Administration, said: "We have worked out the strategy of building large (wind power) bases and integrating them into the mainstream power grid in order to speed up the pace of wind power development in the country".
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/24/content_8315771.htm
China Mobile makes an ambitious bid to save energy
June 22, 2009
Even compared to the country's ambitious target to reduce energy use per unit GDP by 20 percent during the 11th five-year plan (2006-10), China Mobile has laid out an aggressive energy blueprint.
The world's largest mobile phone carrier by number of users plans to cut electricity consumption per unit revenue by 40 percent before 2010 compared to the figure in 2005, which means the company will save up to 8 billion kWh and reduce CO2 emissions by 6.8 million tons in 2010.
It also aims to help other industries save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions using its information technology.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bw/2009-06/22/content_8306741.htm
TRANSPORT
Initiatives
WB lends US$500 mln for rail, urban projects in China
June 27, 2009
The World Bank (WB) said Friday it had approved loans totaling US$500 million to China to assist a railway project and an urban environment improvement program.
Of the total, US$300 million is for the Nanning-Guangzhou railway project, which aims to enhance transport capacity and reduce travel time between the less developed southwestern region and the relatively more developed Pearl River Delta region.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/26/content_8328134.htm
CLIMATE CHANGE
Facts
China welcomes US climate change bill: Official
June 27, 2009
China welcomes a US climate change bill and hopes it would take stronger measures to cut carbon emissions, Xie Zhenhua, deputy chief of the National Development and Reform Commission, said Friday.
"We think we should give a positive evaluation to the bill," Xie said during a group interview. "But in the area of tackling climate change, especially on the issue of cutting emissions, if the US could take some more positive and stronger measures, it would give a bigger impetus to the Copenhagen conference at the end of the year."
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/27/content_18024455.htm
Climate warming affects China's river source
June 25, 2009
Sanjiangyuan is one of the most eco-sensitive areas in the world. Located in the middle of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it forms the source of China's three major rivers, the Yellow River, the Yangtze River and the Lancang River, and is hence known as the "water tower of China".
Both global warming and increased human activity pose a significant threat to the local environment. Restoration of the area's ecological balance will be a major challenge.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/25/content_18013512.htm
Initiatives
EU to help China on carbon capture
June 26, 2009
The European Commission set out a plan on Thursday to help finance the design and construction of a power plant to demonstrate carbon capture and geological storage (CCS) technology in China.
The commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), said it has programmed funding of up to 50 million euros (US$70 million) for the construction and operation phase of the project, out of a total of 60 million euros (US$84 million) that has been earmarked for cooperation with emerging economies on cleaner coal technologies and CCS.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/26/content_8327133.htm
US$1.47 million for drought relief in Tibet
June 25, 2009
The finance authorities in Tibet allocated another 10 million yuan (US$1.47 million) Tuesday to combat a drought that has lasted for more than seven months in parts of the plateau region. Finance authorities previously earmarked 30 million yuan for efforts to combat the drought.
The drought, the worst in 30 years, has affected 33,627 hectares of cropland, 8,313 ha of forests and 2,027 ha of grassland, said a spokesman with the flood control and drought relief headquarters of Tibet autonomous region.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/policies_announcements/2009-06/25/content_18012065.htm
OTHERS
Stimulus funding is flowing toward sewage upgrades
June 26, 2009
Green projects are among the major beneficiaries of the government's 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package.
Wan Bentai, chief engineer at the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), said some 210 billion yuan ($30.7 billion) will support environmental initiatives, including the construction of sewage and waste treatment facilities and improvements to energy-efficiency and ecology conservation.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/26/content_8324535.htm
HK to begin environmental levy scheme on plastic bags
June 24, 2009
More than 2,600 qualified Hong Kong retail outlets had registered under the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags, which will come into effect on July 7 in Hong Kong, a government official said here Wednesday.
Hong Kong Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau visited a Japanese department store Wednesday to see how retailers are preparing for the scheme.
He said that up to Tuesday, more than 2,600 qualified retail outlets had registered under the scheme, representing about 95 percent of the registration applications received.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/24/content_18008155.htm
Hong Kong plans recycling expansion
June 23, 2009
Two recycling centers will go up in the EcoPark in Tuen Mun by the end of this year. The government wants to promote its green image and build the city's environmental industry.
The government-subsidized pilot recycling scheme will handle disposal of plastic and electronic wastes.
Non-profit organizations with experience in collecting and processing refuse will run the centers.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/23/content_17997960.htm
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Companies flout pollution laws
June 16, 2009
Major State-owned enterprises (SOEs) ignored energy saving and pollution regulations, said a report published by National Audit Office (NAO) yesterday.
The central government has annual targets to reduce energy consumption and pollution emissions for the country's 1,000 heavy polluting and high energy-consuming enterprises based on China's 11th five-year (2006-2010) plan.
Sources from the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said enterprises found violating environmental laws would be severely punished.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/19/content_8302537.htm
China's economy goes greener
June 11, 2009
TIANJIN - China's economy is going greener as the world's third-largest economy makes resolute efforts to save energy and reduce pollution.
The Chinese government has ordered to eliminate out-dated production facilities and set stricter rules on new project approvals in a bid to meet its energy saving and emission cut target. Last year, China blocked 156 energy-guzzling and high-polluting projects involving 473.7 billion yuan (US$69.3 billion) of investment, Zhang Lijun, vice environment minister, told a forum in the northern port city of Tianjin this week.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/11/content_8274510.htm
Guangzhou enjoys 345 good air quality days in 2008
June 10, 2009
According to information from Guangzhou EPB, the city reached 345 days of good and excellent air quality in 2008, taking 94.26% of the whole year. Since the complex air pollution has happened in PRD, it is not enough to assess air quality based on index of SO2, NO2, PM10 and dust.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-mep.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=33069
Beijing issues Public Report on Beijing Environmental Situation in 2008
June 10, 2009
Beijing EPB issued Public Report on Beijing Environmental Situation in 2008 on June 5, the World Environmental Day. Based on the report, emissions of the main pollutants decreased in 2008, for example, SO2 and COD emissions decreasing 18.79% and 4.90% year to year, respectively; and 274 days of good and excellent air quality, 74.9% of the whole year. The water quality and eco quality were improved based on the report.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-mep.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=33065
Shanghai reaches 328 "blue sky" days in 2008
June 9, 2009
According to the Public Report on Shanghai Environmental Situation in 2008, air quality situation in Shanghai is similar with 2007. The city reached 328 days of good and excellent air quality in 2008, 89.6% of whole year. Based on the statistics data, PM10 is dominant pollutant in 313 days, taking 85.5% of 2008, while SO2 in 37 days (10.1%) and NO2 in 9 days (2.5%). Besides, dominant pollutants were PM10 and SO2 in 5 days of 2008 (1.4%), PM10 and NO2 in 1 day (0.3%), SO2 and NO2 in 1 day (0.3%). The total trend of air quality in Shanghai is increasing from 2004 to 2008.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-mep.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=33021
ENERGY
Facts
'Wind can power up entire nation'
June 18, 2009
China's potential wind power resources alone are sufficient to meet its entire electricity demand, the country's top wind power research institute has said.
Xiao Ziniu, director of the National Climate Center (NCC), said China's onshore wind power potential has been evaluated at between 700 gW and 1,200 gW, exactly within the range of the country's 790 gW power generating capacity for 2008.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/18/content_8295728.htm
China suspends key hydropower projects
June 12, 2009
The fate of a 200-billion yuan investment in eight hydropower stations along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is in question, as the national environmental watchdog has blocked it citing environmental concerns.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) yesterday suspended approval for hydropower projects along the middle reaches of Jinsha River, after finding that two dams had been illegally constructed on it.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/12/content_8279027.htm
Coal price deal boosts earnings prospects for power plants
June 9, 2009
HONG KONG: Investment banks are optimistic about the prospects of mainland-based power plants after Credit Suisse and BNP Paribas yesterday raised their rating son Huaneng Power and Huadian Power, respectively, citing less-than-expected increases in coal prices on the mainland.
Credit Suisse upgraded Huaneng Power to "outperform" from "neutral" and raised its price target to HK$6.5 from HK$5.6. It raised the company's forecast earnings per share by 35 percent in 2009 and 311 percent in 2010.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2009-06/09/content_8261354.htm
Initiatives
Make 'green industries' new growth engine for economy
June 19, 2009
Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday that energy-saving, environmentally-friendly industries should be made a new growth engine for China's economy.
At a meeting in Luoyang, in central Henan Province, Li urged companies to step up innovation to cut energy use and emissions.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/19/content_17977388.htm
Yingli, Slovakia ink solar module deal
June 20, 2009
Chinese solar cell manufacturer Yingli Green Energy Holding yesterday signed a contract to supply crystalline photovoltaic-solar modules to a 9-mW power plant in Slovakia this year.
Yingli will supply more PV modules to the Slovakia power plant after it expands its capacity to 20 mW later this year, Wang Gang, general manager, Yingli Energy, Beijing Branch, told China Daily in a phone interview from Slovakia.
The contract was signed during Chinese President Hu Jintao's two-day official visit to Slovakia.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/20/content_8305745.htm
Beijing launches renewed green lighting campaign
June 20, 2009
China's capital Beijing is to distribute 10 million heavily-subsidized energy-efficient lamps from June 22 to the end of September, which is its latest move to promote green lighting, according to the municipal government.
The move could save at least 240 million yuan ($35.15 million) a year in electricity bills, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform said Saturday.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/20/content_8305494.htm
Oil-chemical plant in pending over site
June 19, 2009
GUANGZHOU -- Kuwait, which has decided to launch a large oil processing and chemical joint venture with China, has not yet determined where to locate the project, a local government official of southern Guangdong province told Xinhua Friday.
Maoming Deputy Mayor Lin Ridi said if the project was sited in Guangdong, it would be a matter for felicitating for the province.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/19/content_8302026.htm
China Longyuan public float soon, may raise HK$5b
June 18, 2009
China Longyuan Electric Power Group, the country's biggest wind power producer, is close to launching its long-planned share sale in Hong Kong, and the company is aiming to raise as much as HK$5 billion, people familiar with the situation said.
Longyuan, which accounts for over a quarter of the country's wind-power capacity, plans to complete the initial public offer (IPO) within this year.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/18/content_8295733.htm
China offers $88m in subsidies for energy-saving light bulbs
June 10, 2009
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, unveiled a plan Wednesday to promote the use of 120 million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) this year, an effort aimed to boost consumption while saving energy.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has allocated 600 million yuan ($87.85 million) to subsidize this plan, the two agencies said in a joint statement.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/10/content_8269411.htm
China eyes 20% renewable energy by 2020
June 10, 2009
BEIJING - China plans to dramatically increase its use of wind and solar power, aiming to generate up to one fifth of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, a senior official told Britain's Guardian newspaper.
"We are now formulating a plan for development of renewable energy," Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission, said in an interview in London published Wednesday.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/10/content_8268871.htm
China, US move toward clean technology deal
June 10, 2009
While a "major breakthrough" appears to have eluded China and the United States in the latest bilateral climate change talks that will end Wednesday in Beijing, the world's largest emitters did promise to strengthen scientific cooperation in the fight against global warming.
The two nations made sure the talks were low-key and expectations were not too high and little was said about talking points and expectations before the three-day meeting attended by US climate change envoy Todd Stern.
However, a source familiar with both negotiating teams told China Daily that Stern and his delegation met Chinese climate change envoy Xie Zhenhua twice on Monday.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/10/content_8266444.htm
China, Japan seek more cooperation on energy, environment
June 8, 2009
Japan and China pledged to promote cooperation on the energy conservation and environment protection during their second high-level economic dialogue held in Tokyo on Sunday.
"China attaches great importance on saving the energy and protecting the ecology, while Japan has broad experience and advanced technologies on these areas." said Zhang Ping, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission. "So the two countries can achieve win-win results through close cooperation."
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/08/content_17904907.htm
TRANSPORT
Initiatives
Dongfeng signs deal with Detroit Electric
June 20, 2009
HONG KONG: Dongfeng Motor Group, the third-largest automaker on the mainland, will cooperate with Detroit Electric Holdings to research, develop and sell electric vehicles on the mainland, according to a strategic agreement signed by the two companies on Friday.
Dongfeng Motor will test and validate Detroit Electric's electric drive technology to produce and market the electric vehicles, the agreement said.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2009-06/20/content_8304287.htm
E. China's Fujian to turn buses, ships 'green'
June 18, 2009
East China's Fujian Province is to substitute gasoline and diesel oil with liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for 2,000 inter-city buses running on its expressways, to make its public transport greener.
According to a contract signed Thursday between Fujian Investment and Development Group Ltd. and Fujian Expressway LLC, the former will invest 320 million yuan (US$46.85 million) in building 30 gas filling stations to supply 133,000 tonnes of LNG for the 2,000 inter-city buses.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/18/content_17975282.htm
Officials shun cars to save energy
June 17, 2009
GUANGZHOU: Wang Yiyang is an advocate of saving energy.
But the deputy director of the Guangdong provincial government development and research center was unable to leave his car parked Tuesday during a day-long campaign to encourage government officials to travel by public transportation.
"I had to drive to work as my apartment is far from the office," Wang said.
Energy Shortfall Day, launched by the Guangdong provincial economy and trade commission, was aimed at improving government officials' awareness of saving energy and environmental protection.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/17/content_8291868.htm
Beijing Subway plans hit rush hour
June 16, 2009
With the city of Beijing under mounting pressure to expand its subway system to ease traffic congestion and air pollution, close attention is being paid to the safety of its ambitious underground projects as many fear they could be rushed to meet tight deadlines. The capital currently operates eight subway lines stretching 200 km and handles around 4 million passengers a day, making it second only to Shanghai among the mainland's largest subway networks.
But by next year, Beijing aims to have another 100 km of track up and running, and Vice-Mayor Chen Gang urged engineering and building teams last October to find "whatever way possible" to make sure the work finishes on schedule.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/16/content_8287780.htm
New projects in Pearl River Delta
June 11, 2009
NANNING: Several transportation projects will begin in the years ahead to foster closer economic and trade ties in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, top officials from the regional cooperation bloc said yesterday.
One highlight is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, running across the South China Sea from Hong Kong and Macao to Guangdong province.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/11/content_8270348.htm
Buses, light bulbs targeted in Shanghai's green plan
June 11, 2009
Shanghai will replace more than 2,000 old buses and distribute 4 million subsidized energy-saving light bulbs this year as part of its effort to reduce greenhouse emissions.
It is also working on details to implement a national plan to offer cheaper, energy-efficient air conditioners to consumers by subsidizing manufacturers.
Mitsubishi Electric Corp and Hitachi Ltd were the first two producers that have been ratified by the local government to participate in the program, the Shanghai Economic and Information Technology Commission said yesterday in the lead-up to the energy conservation week, which starts on Sunday.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/11/content_17928096.htm
CLIMATE CHANGE
Facts
Tibet grapples with worst drought in two decades
June 18, 2009
At 66, Yangjen walks at least 3 kilometers every afternoon to carry home two buckets of water -- only enough for cooking and drinking.
Affected by the worst drought in more than two decades, her village in Lhundrup County on the suburbs of Tibet's capital Lhasa has cracks in the field. Crops are withering and every villager, young and old, is praying for rain.
English link: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/news/2009-06/18/content_17976410.htm
Climate change root cause for poverty, says report
June 18, 2009
Climate change has emerged as the main reason for poverty in China as over 95 percent of the poor live in ecologically fragile areas and are the most affected by the changing patterns, according to a new report.
The report goes on to add that a map of China's poverty-stricken areas overlaps the map of the country's ecologically fragile regions.
Titled "Climate Change and Poverty: a Case Study of China", the report released yesterday was initiated by Greenpeace China and Oxfam Hong Kong, with joint efforts of experts and researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and local meteorological officials in Sichuan, Guangdong and Gansu.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/18/content_8296959.htm
Climate change talks need to change
June 13, 2009
China Daily carried a report on Wednesday, saying China and the US had achieved nothing substantial at the bilateral climate change talks. But that was not to be, for shortly before boarding the flight back home on Wednesday afternoon, US climate change negotiator Todd Stern told China Daily: "We don't expect China to take a national cap (on greenhouse gas emission) at this stage."
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/13/content_8281363.htm
Initiatives
China US to enhance co-op on climate change
June 9, 2009
BEIJING - Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong on Tuesday said the country was ready to increase cooperation with the United States on climate change.
Liu made the remarks when meeting with assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy John Holdren, and US special envoy for climate change Todd Stern.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/09/content_8265565.htm
China calls on cooperation with US on climate change
June 8, 2009
BEIJING - Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with US special envoy for climate change Todd Stern on Monday, calling for more dialogues and substantial cooperation with the United States on climate change.
"China has noticed the change of the US government on climate change as well as the positive measures it has taken," Li told Stern during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/08/content_8261163.htm
OTHERS
China to co-op with Japan, ROK in environmental protection
June 14, 2009
BEIJING -- The environment ministers of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed in Beijing Sunday to step up public awareness campaigns on environmental protection.
At the 11th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting of China, Japan and South Korea (TEMM), Zhou Shengxian, China's environment minister, discussed progress on environment policies with counterparts Tetsuo Saito, of Japan, and Lee Maanee, of the ROK.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/14/content_8282109.htm
Beijing headed for 'garbage crisis'
June 11, 2009
In another "four to five years" all of Beijing's 13 landfill plants will be full, leading to a "garbage crisis", the city's municipal administration commission warned Wednesday.
"We are working on laws and penalties to cut down garbage production in the capital and have sped up construction of new sanitary landfill sites," said Guo Weidong, the publicity division head of the commission.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/11/content_8270865.htm
AIR QUALITY
Facts
Xi’an enjoys blue sky in every day of May
June 4, 2009
Based on the data from monitoring station in Xi’an city, people in the city enjoyed 31 blue sky days in May, which means everyday in May was up to or above Grade II air quality. The city also reached 6 days of excellent air quality. The good air condition was result of measures of control and treatment for pollution sources such as vehicles and constructions.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-mep.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=32904
Initiatives
Tougher rules for air quality likely soon
June 5, 2009
China is mulling more stringent appraisal standards for air quality, and pilot projects are likely to start from coastal cities in the Yangtze River delta and Pearl River delta next year.
The environmental authorities are planning to include particles less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and ozone, into the Air Pollution Index (API), which currently measures the concentration of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and PM10, or particles smaller than 10 microns.
The new evaluating system will cover all the airborne pollutants that are damaging to health as per the global air quality guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/05/content_8252783.htm
Pollution cut task on track
June 5, 2009
China is likely to complete its mandated emission cuts of major pollutants ahead of schedule, a senior official from the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) told China Daily yesterday.
By the end of 2008, the country had registered a drop in chemical oxygen demand (COD), a key test of water pollution, and the total emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2), the chief air pollutant, by 6.61 percent and 8.95 percent, respectively, from the 2005 level.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/05/content_8251981.htm
ENERGY
Facts
Wind power gets set for huge thrust
June 3, 2009
China's wind power installed capacity is expected to exceed 30,000 megawatts (mW) by the end of 2010, up from 12,000 mW last year, an official with the National Energy Administration (NEA) said yesterday.
In order to achieve this target, the country needs to invest an additional 100 billion yuan at least in the sector, said Shi Lishan, deputy director of the new energy department under the NEA.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/03/content_7966752.htm
China's power consumption down 4.03% in 1st four months
June 1, 2009
BEIJING - China's power demand shrank by 4.03 percent in the first four months from the same period last year under the impact of the global economic downturn, said the National Energy Administration here Monday.
Zhang Guobao, head of the administration, told a press conference that the trend contrasted sharply with the record before September last year, when the power demand kept rising at double-digit growth.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/01/content_7960363.htm
Initiatives
ENICOM System launched in Tianjin
June 5, 2009
Solar ETC (TIANJIN) hosted the CENICOM Solar Thermal Power Generation System Commissioning Ceremony recently in Tianjin, marking the arrival of CENICOM System commercialization in the global marketplace.
During the ceremony, Solar ETC presented technological features, working processes and updated developments of the ENICOM System. Invited guests had the chance to see a 140 kW demo unit of the CENICOM System, located in the Solar ETC Tianjin factory facility.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2009-06/05/content_8254926.htm
Shanxi plans coal futures bourse
June 3, 2009
Shanxi province, China's largest coal producer, said it has plans to establish the country's first coal and coke futures exchange to help stabilize the domestic market and secure a bigger voice in international pricing.
"We have submitted a feasibility study to the authorities with the aim of establishing the market in 2012," said Wang Hua, director at the Shanxi provincial capital market development office.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/03/content_7965874.htm
China drafts energy stimulus plan
June 1, 2009
BEIJING -- A preliminary draft for China's energy stimulus plan has been done, but the contents and the time of the bill's launch have not been revealed, a senior energy official said here Monday.
The National Energy Administration has been soliciting opinions from local governments, related authorities, industry players and specialists since April 2, Liu Qi, deputy head of the administration, told a press conference Monday.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/01/content_7959286.htm
TRANSPORT
Facts
In Hangzhou, getting around is more fun on two wheels
June 1, 2009
HANGZHOU: In China's bustling metropolises, rush hours are nightmares for office workers each morning and evening. East China's Hangzhou, known for its charming scenic spot the West Lake, is no exception.
Every day, about 460,000 motor vehicles, including 360,000 private cars, run in an endless stream along the streets of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. About 50,000 vehicles are added to urban traffic flows each year. As a result, the average driving time from residential areas in the western part of the city to downtown offices has doubled from about 15 minutes two years ago to the present 30 minutes. During rush hours, it takes about 10 minutes to crawl over the 100-m bridge approach to access the overpass leading to downtown areas.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bw/2009-06/01/content_7957638.htm
Initiatives
China releases details of auto, home appliance replacements program
June 3, 2009
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planning body, announced Wednesday the detailed plan for the country's subsidy for auto and home appliance replacements.
Consumers who trade-in their used mid- and small-sized truck and some types of mid-sized passenger cars for new ones will receive rebates from 3000 yuan (about $437.96 dollars) to 6000 yuan, according to an announcement on the NDRC website.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/03/content_8098862.htm
Govt may alter hours to ease traffic
June 2, 2009
As Beijing continues to suffer major traffic congestion, with some 3.6 million vehicles on the streets, the government has proposed that the city's civil servants not add to rush-hour woes.
As part of a new plan, which may be approved by the end of this year, government offices will be asked to either alter their schedules so that officials don't have to clog the city's streets further during peak traffic hours, or allow officials to do their jobs from home.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/02/content_7963346.htm
Beijing EPB announced no pollution fees of vehicles this year
June 2, 2009
According to the authority from Beijing EPB, the government did not plan to charge pollution fees of vehicles this year, which is just potential policy researched by Beijing EPB. The authority also said that the dominant work of this year was to eliminate and upgrade vehicles with yellow label.
Chinese link: http://www.vecc-mep.org.cn/news/news_detail.jsp?newsid=32843
CLIMATE CHANGE
Initiatives
Emissions targets set for govt schemes
June 6, 2009
China will put in place carbon dioxide emissions targets for its economic and social development programs, the central government has promised.
The change marks a new phase in China's pledge to tackle climate change and global warming with the international community.
It also signals that China may be considering national goals for carbon dioxide levels when it maps its 12th five-year national development plan (2011-15).
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009green/2009-06/06/content_8256019.htm
Pelosi upbeat on US-China climate cooperation
June 3, 2009
WASHINGTON - US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday expressed high hopes of cooperation between the United State and China ahead of key climate change talks.
"We did see that the Chinese government knows that they have to do something," Pelosi told a news conference on the heels of a weeklong trip to China with other lawmakers devoted to energy and climate change.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/03/content_8063173.htm
OTHERS
China: Economic plan won't compromise environment
June 6, 2009
BEIJING -- Chinese government officials Friday moved to dispel fears that their economic stimulus plan could compromise anti-pollution efforts as policies may be loosened to allow more projects to pass environmental examinations.
They promised the government would abide by strict environmental standards when evaluating new projects, control the development of highly polluting enterprises, encourage energy efficiency and consider levying an environment tax.
"We did not lower our requirements for environmental protection while using 'fast-track' procedures to approve certain proposed projects," Minister of Environmental Protection Zhou Shengxian said, referring to speculation that such procedures were used to approve polluting projects.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/06/content_8255278.htm
China unveils stimulus measures for bioindustry
June 6, 2009
The State Council, China's cabinet, has publicized measures to boost biological industry, said an announcement posted on China's central government website Friday.
The measures, Policies to Accelerate Biological Industry Growth, consist of 33 items in ten parts, involving targets of the policies, key fields in biological industry, technology innovation, attracting talents and providing fund support.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/06/content_8257952.htm
Rural pollution top priority for MEP
June 6, 2009
China will ramp up its investment to curb rural pollution, as environmental problems in the country's vast countryside are "increasingly prominent", vice-minister of environmental protection Zhang Lijun told a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
Pollution has aggravated in rural areas due to chemical fertilizers, pesticides and livestock breeding, according to a report published by the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) on China's environmental situation.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/06/content_8255675.htm
China mulls penalty tax on polluting businesses
June 6, 2009
China is considering levying a tax on polluting businesses to better protect the environment, a senior official said on Friday.
Zhang Lijun, vice minister of environmental protection, said collecting environmental taxes from polluting enterprises was one of the directions of the country's tax system reform.
"It has been put on the agenda of the ministries of finance, environment protection and the state administration of taxation," Zhang told a press conference.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/05/content_8254648.htm
China: Will ensure stimulus protects environment
June 5, 2009
BEIJING – China said Friday it will strictly monitor the government's economic stimulus package for projects that cause pollution, addressing worries that officials would ignore the environment in an effort to maintain China's high economic growth rates.
The stimulus will not damage the environment, Ministry of Environmental Protection Vice Minister Zhang Lijun told a news conference.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/05/content_8254574.htm
Minister makes call to go green
June 5, 2009
A top Chinese minister has a word of warning for the newly rich
"It is a disgraceful lifestyle to drive a BMW but have only dirty water to drink," said Zhou Shengxian, minister of environmental protection.
In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Zhou said he is concerned about a lack of respect for the environment as the country carries out its economic stimulus plan, which Beijing introduced last November to temper the impact of the global financial crisis.
To coincide with World Environment Day today, Zhou announced he is leading his 200-odd staff into all-out warfare, including a publicity plan to promote green modernization and ensure environmental well-being for the country's 1.3 billion people in a 30-trillion yuan economy.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/05/content_8251884.htm
Shanghai unveils green norms for World Expo
June 5, 2009
The public has been urged to participate in the city's green drive efforts as part of the green guidelines for the forthcoming World Expo released yesterday.
A joint effort of the Shanghai Expo organizers and UNEP, or United Nations Environment Program, the Green Guidelines for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo outline a wide range of principles and solutions on how to apply green ideas for the event.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/05/content_8252414.htm
China to open environment hotline
June 5, 2009
BEIJING -- People who have complaints about environmental pollution in China would have a direct way to inform the Ministry of Environmental Protection as the ministry opens a tip-off hotline on Friday, the International Environment Day.
The ministry said Thursday that the hotline, 010-12369, will take calls about emergency environment issues, cross-provincial pollution and other environmental issues that should be directly dealt with by the ministry.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/05/content_8250331.htm
Pollution index up and running
June 4, 2009
China's first Pollution Information Transparency Index (PITI) has been officially launched and has published its first annual assessment of the pollution information disclosure performance of 113 Chinese cities for 2008.
The PITI, set up by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) and the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is part of efforts to strengthen public awareness and supervision of environmental issues and protection.
The evaluation items of the PITI include disclosure of polluters' environmental rule violation, their subsequent improvement and rectification, assessment results of enterprises' environmental impact, and five other items requiring local environmental bureaus to put out such information mainly through websites and some other channels.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-06/04/content_8246613.htm
Different strategies of 'green building' for sustainable future
June 1, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO: While the dangers of vehicle emissions are well known in both the United States and China, what isn't so well known is that there is a more potent pollution culprit than our cars - our homes and offices. In the US, buildings consume 50 percent of all energy, and in China that figure is 37 percent.
But while both countries should share the same goals of increasing the number of "green buildings" designed to minimize environmental impact, they need different strategies to do so, according to Marc Porat, a former senior economist at the US Department of Commerce.
English link: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009green/2009-06/01/content_8089470.htm
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