China on the Cusp of 'Clean Revolution'

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- China gets a bad rap for its environmental record, growing greenhouse gas emissions and coal-dependent energy portfolio. But there are glimmers of hope beneath China's smog-choked skies, according to a new report.

The country is taking quiet strides toward a low-carbon economy. Its installed generating capacity for renewable energy is the largest in the world, and investment in renewables is second only to Germany, according to "China's Clean Revolution," from the nonprofit Climate Group.

"For too long, many governments, businesses and individuals have been wary of committing to action on climate change because they perceive that China -- the world's largest emitter -- is doing little to address the issue," Steve Howard, CEO of the Climate Group, said in a statement. "However, the reality is that China's government is beginning to unleash a low carbon dragon which will power its future growth, development and energy security objectives."

The company is enjoying economic growth provided by the clean technology sector. For instance, it is now the top producer of solar photovoltaics and is forecast to take the top spot for wind turbines next year. China already owns a sizable share of the market in solar water heaters, rechargeable batteries and energy efficient home appliances.

But the country also has laid out a clear policy framework toward a greener future, the report found. China has reduced its energy intensity 60 percent since 1980, and plans to reduce it another 20 percent by 2010.

Renewable energy comprised about 8 percent of its portfolio in 2006. China wants to double that proportion to 15 percent in 2020. China invested $12 billion in renewable energy in 2007, second behind Germany.

Fuel economy standards put in place in 2005 are 40 percent higher than in the U.S. China also imposed a 20 percent tax on SUVs, compared to a 3 percent tax on compact cars. New building codes aims to cut energy consumption of new buildings in half. China is the third largest ethanol producer in the world.

Although China's greenhouse gas emissions have grown steadily to account for roughly a quarter of worldwide emissions, its per capita rate is relatively small. In 2007, China's per capita emissions rate reached 5.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, compared to 8.6 annual metric tons for the European Union. The per capita emissions rate for the U.S. is 19.4 metric tons.

The Climate Group published the report's executive summary last week. The final report is scheduled for release Aug. 8. 

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