Sustainable Development
SEEDS SOWN for China’s green growth
While Australians and the international community grow increasingly concerned with climate change in recent times, the issue of environmental sustainability is felt most acutely in China, where rapid economic growth, urbanisation and development have produced serious environmental degradation. A poll by the Lowy institute in 2009 found that Chinese citizens ranked environmental issues as the number one threat to their national security. While economic prosperity has helped China lift 500 million people out of poverty, half of China’s population already live in urban areas and 10 million more are expected to arrive into its cities each year. It is inevitable that demands for new housing and commercial and social infrastructure will intensify China’s energy needs. Yet China’s energy consumption, which has
increased fourfold since the 1980s, mainly features non-renewable and unsustainable pollutants such as coal power. The environmental side effects of development – pollution, water scarcity, land degradation and loss of biodiversity, present formidable obstacles to China’s continued growth and stability. In response, the Chinese government is spearheading eco-friendly investment as a pioneer of the green economy model – using renewable resources, energy conservation and eco-technologies as framework for its sustainable future development (China’s next five year plan 2010–2015). China has committed to cut energy intensity by 40–45 per cent of 2005 levels; increase its alternative energy capacity to 20 per cent of total energy production and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels by 2020. With approximately 40 per cent of China’s RMB4 trillion (A$620 billion) economic stimulus package targeted for green specific projects in 2008, it can be seen that China is serious about achieving its green ambitions. The first sprouts of China’s impressive green initiatives have begun to emerge, and the ground is fertile with opportunities for Australia- China partnerships to develop and lead the green sector together.
GREENSOLUTIONS “ Environmental damage is estimated to cost up to eight per cent of China’s annual GDP.
“ The country is experiencing the world’s fastest growth in demand for environmental products and the market is estimated to reach a value of A$60 billion by 2015.
168 Australia China: BEYOND TOMORROW
ABOVE: Solar water heating system on the roof of a traditional house in Sichuan province. RIGHT: Solar powered street light in a residential area of Beijing.
“ Technology levels remain low and Chinese companies are looking for technical cooperation or joint ventures to import technologies for upgrading domestic equipment manufacturing.
GREEN RENEWABLES “ China’s capacity to produce hydro, solar, and wind power is tipped to surpass its overall economic expansion, yet it had met some stumbling blocks on the way to its short-term goals.
“ Much of the presently produced energy is wasted in the power production and transmission stages. Some 20–40 per cent of China’s installed wind capacity sits idle due to failure to connect to the grid and over capacity (according to Shanghai Electric Group Corporation).
“ Despite being the world’s largest producer of solar panels, most Chinese companies lack the ability to produce the necessary solar grade poly-silicon.
GREEN BUILDING “ Building related activities account for 40 per cent of the China’s total energy consumption and is expected to double by 2020 if no action is taken.
“ Green building features heavily in China’s long to medium- term plans for economic and science technology development. The Ministry of Construction has announced plans for 11 ‘Green Cities’, and continues to invest in and promote eco-friendly building at the national level.
CHINA
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