Archive for the ‘emissions’ tag
Panyu Residents Victorious in Blocking Planned Incinerator, Expected to Meet 30% Recycling Target in Return
To some, the surge of public action to oppose a planned incinerator in south China’s Panyu city may indicate growing popular environmental awareness, concern and activism in China. To others, the protests are testament to China’s growing urban wealth and the push for “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) movements that often accompany it.
Government, Backed into a Corner on Public Incinerator Concerns, Pushes Back
Beijing municipal officials recently announced plans to continue with seven incinerator projects in the Beijing area, despite protests of nearby residents.
Chinese Solar Company Plans U.S. Manufacturing Plant
China-based solar producer Suntech Power announced plans this week to build a manufacturing facility in the United States to serve the growing U.S. market for large-scale utility projects and to take advantage of government incentives. Read the rest of this entry »
China Floats Carbon Tax Plan as a Means to Curb Emissions
The Chinese government is considering imposing a pro rata carbon tax on coal and fossil fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, and natural gas, Finance Ministry official Su Ming has told the country’s state-run media.
Bloomberg's Ambitious Plan to Improve Energy Efficiency in NY Buildings
New York Mayor Bloomberg harnessed the green power of Earth Day to unveil a plan that would require NYC buildings – responsible for 80% of the city’s emissions – to undergo regular energy audits and retrofits, as needed, in order to become more energy efficient.
Guardian Article on China Emissions Plan Amounts to Wishful Thinking
Those who stumbled across the recent Guardian article “China Considers Setting Targets for Carbon Emissions” probably did not fall off of their seats like I did. But at the very least you might have involuntarily raised an eyebrow, or two, and thought “huh, now that’s a game changer.”
For people who monitor developments in climate negotiations religiously, this article was practically heaven sent. But, upon closer examination, it proved little more than a manipulated quote and a very sexy, if misleading argument.
Shanghai to Pilot China's First Municipal Emissions Exchange
Annual CO2 Emissions
Shanghai, often recognized for its free-market tendencies and environmental leadership, is introducing China’s first municipal trading mechanism as a means to curb pollution. Last Friday, in advance of a major carbon trade industry event taking place in Beijing this week, word began surfacing in the Chinese media that Shanghai plans to pilot an emissions trading scheme that will involve more than 300 companies’ trading “pollution discharge rights.”
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Climate Change and Deforestation Engaging in Vicious Cycle of Destruction
Most of you know by now that deforestation, and the emissions that cleared forest lands add to the atmosphere, exacerbates climate change. But it may come as a surprise to learn that the opposite is true. New scientific findings suggest that climate change is threatening remaining forests more dramatically than previously suspected.
Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Shaping Financing to Prevent Deforestation
The Waxman-Markey bill signals Washington’s intentions to pony up to fund deforestation prevention as part of overall climate legislation. But will climate scientists, C-15 negotiators, developing countries and environmental groups agree on an international forest protection program that everyone, including the trees, can live with?
Clinton Climate Initiative to Pay $20m for Empire State Building Efficiency Retrofit
Former President Bill Clinton and Mayor Bloomberg appeared at a press conference on the Empire State Building’s 80th floor today to announce a cooperative initiative between the Clinton Climate Initiative and other partners to help green New York’s 78-year old signature building.
Talk of Carbon Tariff Flatly Rejected by China, Prompts 'Protectionist' Charges
One day after China’s top climate official, Li Gao, requested that his country’s export sector be exempt from greenhouse gas emissions reductions, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the possibility of levying a carbon tariff on countries that do not match US greenhouse gas emissions restrictions.
China Taking Uncooperative Stance on G20, Climate Treaty Terms
The G20 Global Summit, which will take place in the UK in April, stands to be an important factor in determining China’s stance on climate change commitments as Copenhagen draws near.
China's "Green Economy": A New Revolution in China?
A “green economy” can be built in China in less than 20 years, argues a new McKinsey report. The new study, “