Data and graphics highlighting the climate and energy challenges facing China and the world. Read More
An overview of the laws and policies China is putting into place to curb energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Read More
A collection of short, analytical overviews of critical climate and energy topics, supported by data and analysis from leading U.S. institutions and experts. Read More
There has been a lot of concern in the media (see Green Inc. and Washington Post articles) and in the U.S. Senate recently about stimulus grants for wind energy projects going to China and other foreign countries. On March 3rd, a group of Senators called for the suspension of the renewables grant program until rules had been passed that made sure projects used American components and labor. But there is more to that story than meets the eye.
Empirical evidence demonstrates that predictable support for wind power improves local manufacturing capacity and creates local jobs. Consistent support in the form of the stimulus and long term programs such as a Renewable Energy Standard will give investors the certainty they need to plan and create jobs in the United States.
China reported its commitment to a 40-45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2020, based on a 2005 baseline, by the Copenhagen Accord’s January 31 deadline. But there was still some ambiguity about China’s actual relationship to the Copenhagen Accord itself. Now China and India, as well, have written the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.
China recently confirmed an ambitious goal to reduce its economy’s carbon intensity by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2020. WRI’s China Director Zou Ji, a former Chinese climate negotiator, discusses the significance of this step by the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, and what it means for China’s relations with the United States and the world.
China’s policies to prioritize, fund and deploy clean technology R&D and innovation over the short and medium term stem from an ambition to emerge as a global power in science and technology through clean technology R&D and innovation.