World Bank warns China to clean up its act
The World Bank has issued a stark warning to China that it must clean up its act if the country is serious about reducing emissions and meeting government targets for reducing the energy and carbon intensity of its economy.
The World Bank has issued a stark warning to China that it must clean up its act if the country is serious about reducing emissions and meeting government targets for reducing the energy and carbon intensity of its economy.
With cities contributing an estimated 70 percent of energy-related greenhouse gases, and given that China is estimated to add a further 350 million people to its already overcrowded cities by the end of the decade, the Bank says in its new report that the case for urgent action is strong.
If China’s cities are to reduce their alarming carbon footprint then they will have to act on multiple fronts, the report states.
The report, titled Sustainable Low-Carbon City Development in China, says that industry and power generation each contribute an estimated 40 percent of city emissions, while transport, buildings, and waste make up the remaining 20 percent.
“For China to achieve its 12th Five-Year Plan target to reduce 17 percent carbon intensity, addressing cities’ emissions is crucial,” said World Bank’s Country Director for China, Klaus Rohland.
The Asian country has set a goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by between 40 and 45 percent in 2020. China’s five year plan covers the period between 2011 and 2015.
To achieve these targets the Bank calls on China cities to embark on a path of sustainable low-carbon development, which will incorporate the construction of energy-efficient buildings and industries; a transport system that offers alternatives to automobiles; and a shift to efficient management of water, wastewater, and solid waste.
The report also highlights five actions for policy makers to adopt to promote low-carbon city development.
“The complex challenges facing China’s cities require a comprehensive approach, with coordinated action from different levels of government as well as civil society,” comments Axel Baeumler, World Bank Senior Infrastructure Economist and a co-editor of the report.
The World Bank will release an updated version of the report within the next two years.
Image 01: Brian Jeffery Beggerly | Wikimedia Commons
Image 02: Kevin Dooley | Wikimedai Commons
Image 03: Suicup | Wikimedia Commons