Energy and Emissions Data

Library File: 

ChinaFAQs_Atmospheric_Changes_Reveal_Chinas_Energy_Trends.pdf

Key Points

• At a measuring station near Beijing, US and Chinese scientists are collecting unique measurements of carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in air that has passed over one of China’s most industrialized, urbanized regions. This record provides an independent view of China’s efforts to improve energy efficiency.
• Comparing CO₂ levels with carbon monoxide (CO) levels serves as an independent indicator of overall trends in efficiency of fuel combustion in this critical region.
• The record shows a pattern of improved combustion efficiency from 2005 to 2008, consistent with energy efficiency policies pursued under the 11th Five Year Plan, in particular the goal to reduce energy intensity by 20%.

Library File: 

Jiang Kejun - Coal scenario - Tianjin Oct 2010.pdf

Download from the link above “Coal in the Low Carbon Scenario”, a presentation by Jiang Kejun from “Coal Use in China: Future Use and Emissions Control”, A Briefing in Tianjin, China on October 5, 2010.

Library File: 

ChinaFAQs_China's_Carbon_Intensity_Goal_A_Guide_for_the_Perplexed.pdf

In late November 2009, China announced its intention to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions within the Chinese economy by 40-45% by 2020, as compared with a 2005 baseline. China then reported this goal to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat on January 28, 2010.

This announcement, coming on the heels of the United States’ announced pledge of a 17% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions between 2005 and 2020, garnered a great deal of attention within both the US and internationally, with experts weighing in with both approval and doubts about China’s ambition.ⁱ

To enhance understanding of China’s commitment, we provide answers to the major questions related to the Chinese carbon intensity target below.

Library File: 

deborah_seligsohn_testimony_4-1-10.pdf

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the deliberations of this Commission. My name is Deborah Seligsohn, and I am Senior Advisor to the China Climate and Energy Program at the World Resources Institute. The World Resources Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan environmental think tank that goes beyond research to provide practical solutions to the world’s most urgent environment and development challenges. We work in partnership with scientists, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations in more than seventy countries to provide information, tools and analysis to address problems like climate change, the degradation of ecosystems and their capacity to provide for human well-being.

Library File: 

barbara_finamore_testimony_4-1-10.pdf

NRDC’s Environmental Law Project has been actively engaged in environmental transparency projects in China for nearly five years in an effort to improve the use of environmental information to strengthen implementation of China’s environmental laws and policies, and to enhance public involvement in environmental protection. This is just one component of a suite of projects in China to improve environmental governance and to help China achieve its environmental and energy goals.