From Chinese Press

More than enough burden

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-20 06:10

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China accounted for more than 20 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emission in 2007. China is now one of the world's biggest carbon emitters, but that does not make it an irresponsible country, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

China's high carbon emission is understandable, given its rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization. China has a high demand for energy and its use leads to huge carbon emission. The truth, however, is the overseas manufacturers that have set up shop in China have transferred their countries' carbon emission, too.

Despite China's total carbon emission, which may astound the world, its per capita emission in 2007 was, in fact, less than a quarter of the US's and half of EU's. Its accumulated historical per capita emission is even lower. Its energy consumption and carbon emission, for the time being, is just enough to meet the basic needs of its people.

But despite that China has been striving to reduce its carbon emission. It has been improving its energy efficiency and expediting the development of the renewable energy sector. Its afforestation drives and population control policy have helped protect the environment, too.

(China Daily 08/20/2010 page9)