PRESSURES TO INCREASE
CHINA’S GHG EMISSIONS In general, following the US model of
high consumption lifestyle
u
uSpecifically:
u
uFostering car
use via road building and allowing cars to drive and park in bicycle
lanes
u
uRestricting
bicycle use on some inner-city roads
u
uPlanning new
urban areas with lower densities
z
China is on a
knife edge between sustainable and unsustainable models of development. Which
pathway it ultimately follows will depend to a large degree on the example
set by western countries, notably the USA, but also Australia.
I have been
running short courses on sustainable development for visiting Chinese
delegation composed of senior government officials and business people. While
they are impressed with some of Australia’s local actions -- such as the
Green Olympics -- it is always embarrassing when they ask what Australia is
doing at the national and State levels to achieve sustainable development
and, in particular, to reduce GHG emissions.
To see what is
possible in commercial energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, we have to move from China to Europe.
Does anyone know
what is the fastest growing energy technology in the world over the past 15
years?