Archive for 1 Energy and Climate

Climate Change and Poverty

Abstract Greenpeace talks to rural villagers in Sichuan and Guangdong province about the impact of extreme weather on their lives.  Over 95% of China’s impoverished rural populations live in areas vulnerable to floods, droughts, and other severe weather events. Climate change will only increase the occurrence and severity of weather events, which will damage villages and destroy crops, making it even more difficult for people to climb out of poverty. It is a tragic truth that those most vulnerable to climate change are also the world’s most impoverished. and a short video can be found here http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/multimedia/videos/climate-energy/climate-change-poverty/
Author Greenpeace China, Beijing, June 2009
Publisher
Link http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/Global/usa/binaries/2009/6/poverty-and-climate-change.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Climate Change and Food Security in China

Abstract Climate change has become one of the greatest challenges faced by the human race. It affects almost all aspects of our society, including food supply. Agriculture has long been the foundation of China’s social and economic development. With a large agricultural population and a huge pressure placed on resources, as well as a large production area that features complex topography and distinct patterns of climate, China’s farming industry is very vulnerable to climate change. Against this background, ecological agriculture therefore has its obvious advantages. It is of great importance for the sustainable development of agricultural and national security to determine the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in the country, and to devise and implement appropriate measures to avoid these problems
Author Greenpeace China, Beijing, October 2008
Publisher
Link http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/Global/eastasia/publications/reports/climate-energy/2008/climate-change-and-food-security-in-china.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Climate Change and China: Technology, Market and Beyond

Abstract This occasional paper contributes to the international debate on climate change and the global search for climate justice. The critical UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December 2009 will bring back the focus on the need for a climate governance regime. The complexities of the issues and the requirements of genuine and sustainable solutions are vast. The current financial crisis that is now affecting both developed and developing countries alike is putting additional difficulties in mobilizing political will to come up and implement strategic climate and energy policies that will answer climate, economic, social, energy and security challenges. This paper discusses the impacts of climate change to the environment of China and most especially to the livelihood of Chinese people there. It analyzed the Chinese government’s position and enumerates the measures that China has taken so far, as well as the commitments and concrete targets that it pledged to undertake. It explains China’s stance on the climate change negotiations; its arguments and considerations concerning its role to the international community; and its responsibilities to address its many domestic pressures in relation to geopolitics, the financial crisis, as well as global trade and technology issues.
Author Focus on Global South, Occasional Papers 6; Dale Jiajun Wen; February 2009
Publisher
Link http://focusweb.org/sites/www.focusweb.org/files/occ6.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

The Contribution of the Commercial Transfer of Technology to Climate Change Mitigation: A Perspective on the Post-Kyoto Mechanisms of Technology Transfer

Abstract Case studies of commercial transfer of technologies in Chinese enterprises in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy, examine various ways to accelerate technology transfer through commercial mechanisms. This can be done through public and private sector funding and future global climate policy framework. This allows the establishment of new mechanisms for joint research and development, and encourages concerted efforts in GHG reduction and global climate agreements. This report offers recommendations for policy makers and other relevant experts.  Funded by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, this study is a joint venture with the Research Energy Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China Renewable Energy Association.
Author Heinrich Boll Stiftung, China; Main authors: Li Junfeng, Tanq Wenquian, and Ma Lingjuan; September 2009
Publisher
Link http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/TechTransfer_China_Boell.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Global Carbon Emissions in the Coming Decades: The Case of China

Abstract China’s annual energy-related carbon emissions surpassed those of the United States in 2006, years ahead of published international and Chinese forecasts. Why were forecasts so greatly in error and what drove the rapid growth of China’s energy-related carbon emissions after 2001? The divergence between actual and forecasted carbon emissions underscores the rapid changes that have taken place in China’s energy system since 2001. In order to build a more robust understanding of China’s energy-related carbon emissions, this article reviews the role of economic restructuring, urbanization, coal dependence, international trade, and central government policies in driving emissions growth.
Author Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Report (LBNL-372E); Levine, Mark D.; Aden, Nathaniel T.; 2008
Publisher
Link http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/1mz7w30c
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Taking Out One Billion Tons of CO2: The Magic of China’s 11th Five Year Plan?

Abstract China’s 11th Five-Year Plan (FYP) sets an ambitious target for energy-efficiency improvement: energy intensity of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) should be reduced by 20% from 2005 to 2010 (NDRC, 2006). This is the first time that a quantitative and binding target has been set for energy efficiency, and signals a major shift in China’s strategic thinking about its long-term economic and energy development. The 20% energy intensity target also translates into an annual reduction of over one billion tons of CO2 by 2010, making the Chinese effort one of most significant carbon mitigation effort in the world today. While it is still too early to tell whether China will achieve this target, this paper attempts to understand the trend in energy intensity in China and to explore a variety of options toward meeting the 20% target using a detailed end-use energy model
Author Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Report (LBNL-757E); Lin, Jiang; Zhou, Nan; Levine, Mark; Fridley, David; 2007
Publisher
Link http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/7v50g8mj
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Environmental Governance in China: Recommendations for Reform from International Experience

Abstract This report suggests legal and policy approaches, drawn from international experience, for improving China’s environmental governance framework and the efficacy of its overall environmental protection efforts.  NRDC placed particular emphasis on judicial enforcement. NRDC’s report analyzed China’s compliance failures for environmental regulation and laws. Policy recommendations not only focus on legislation, policy, and the justice system, but also address the importance of shaping the market to favor better environmental performance.
Author Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); June 2007
Publisher
Link http://www.efchina.org/csepupfiles/report/200812095157292.75528685870404.pdf/NRDC_EN.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Greenhouse Gas Implications in Large Scale Infrastructure Investments in Developing Countries: Examples from China and India

Abstract Engaging developing countries is essential to creating meaningful international regimes to address climate change. We assert that this engagement requires developed countries to broker greenhouse gas emissions abatement plans that accommodate developing countries’ energy and development goals. Here we explore two deals: the first to replace coal-fired electricity capacity with natural gas in China, and the second to develop India’s nuclear power program. Our analysis indicates that these energy infrastructure investments have the potential to bring about substantial CO2 emissions reductions, and underscore the need for further, more robust analysis of these and similar deals.
Author Program on Energy and Sustainable Development Working Paper #54; Mike Jackson, Sarah Joy, Thomas C. Heller, David G. Victor; March 2006
Publisher
Link http://iis-db.stanford.edu/pubs/21061/China_and_India_Infrastructure_Deals.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

China’s Environment: Next Steps in Administrative Reform

Abstract Released in 2002, WB’s report was prepared to contribute to China’s 2003 government deliberations on state-level administrative reform. This report prioritized upgrading SEPA to ministry-level. This frequently-cited report recommends administrative reforms to strengthen political will and authority for national environmental protection.  We have already seen several recommendations adopted, including (1) stronger political commitment; (2) establishment of SEPA regional supervision office; (3) increased staffing levels; and (4) public participation requirement in the EIA process. Other recommendations not yet adopted include the top recommendation to make SEPA a ministry, enhance cross-sector coordination, ameliorate conflicts of interest between resource utilization and protection agencies, establishing linear authority for SEPA over the EPB system, and intensifying public participation. This report did include next steps, but this agenda is most relevant to the context of 2002.
Author World Bank (WB); December 2002
Publisher
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment

Why do CO2 Emissions Differ in China, Japan and Korea?

Author The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies; Hyun-Sik Chung; 1998
Publisher
Link http://www.oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/EV25-WhydoCO2EmissionsDifferinChinaJapanandKorea-HSChung-1998.pdf
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1 Energy and Climate, 1.4 Climate Change and Environment