International Fund for China’s Environment Newsletter
2421 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037-1718 USA
TeL 202-822-2141, Email: ifce-adm@ifce.org www.ifce.org
June
IFCE Weekly News (Dec. 3 – Dec. 9)
CHINA
CHINA SAYS U.S. SOLAR RULING SMACKS OF PROTECTIONISM ................................................................... 3
DENSE SMOG IN BEIJING CHINA STOPS HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS ................................................................. 3
UN CLIMATE TALKS LOOK TO CHINA FOR DEAL OPTIONS ............................................................................ 3
ANGER GROWS OVER BEIJING’S AIR POLLUTION ......................................................................................... 4
'IT'S REALLY GOOD STUFF': UNDERCOVER AT A CHINESE TIGER BONE WINE AUCTION .............................. 4
BLOGGING BATTLE OVER BEIJING SMOG ..................................................................................................... 4
IN RED CHINA, WALMART LEADING A GREEN REVOLUTION ........................................................................ 5
BILL GATES AND CHINA IN DISCUSSIONS OVER NEW NUCLEAR REACTOR .................................................. 5
AS COAL USE DECLINES IN U.S., COAL COMPANIES FOCUS ON CHINA ........................................................ 5
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON US, INDIA, CHINA TO SEAL COP17 DEAL ................................................................ 6
EUROPE
EU: RECYCLING GOOD FOR ECONOMY BUT MUST TACKLE CRITICAL MATERIALS ....................................... 7
CLIMATE CASES SURGE – TIME FOR A CLIMATE COURT? ............................................................................. 7
PAPER RECYCLING CONFERENCE – EUROPE: ECONOMIC MODELS .............................................................. 7
DELAY ON CLIMATE-CHANGE DEAL PROMPTS BACKLASH FROM EUROPE TO BARBADOS .......................... 8
FIVE TRUTHS ABOUT OUR ENERGY FUTURE ................................................................................................. 8
EUROPEANS TAKE LEAD IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.................................................................................. 8
THE ARCTIC INSTITUTE – CENTER FOR CIRCUMPOLAR SECURITY STUDIES .................................................. 9
USA
AL GORE: UNITED STATES AN ‘OBSTACLE TO PROGRESS’ IN GLOBAL CLIMATE TALKS .............................. 10
HARD PLASTIC BOTTLES, REBORN AS A BRIDGE ......................................................................................... 10
THE GREEN CONUNDRUM: CAN SMALL ACTIONS ADD UP TO COLLECTIVE CHANGE? .............................. 11
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN 1970, RENEWABLE ENERGY NOW (MAPS) [US] .................................................. 11
1
GREEN JOBS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN? ........................................................................................................ 11
RAMPANT MARIJUANA CULTIVATION IS DAMAGING U.S. NATIONAL FORESTS ........................................ 12
MOST AMERICANS THINK WE CAN AFFORD TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING, DESPITE ECONOMY ............. 12
OTHERS
EXPORT BAN WILL LEAD TO SHARP HIKE IN OIL PRICES, IRAN WARNS ...................................................... 13
INDIA’S ‘ASTONISHING AUCTION’ PUSHES DOWN GLOBAL SOLAR PRICE ................................................. 13
EXXON'S DEAL WITH THE KURDS INFLAMES BAGHDAD ............................................................................. 14
SEE THE NEWS ARTICLE AT: HTTP://WWW.INDEPENDENT.CO.UK/NEWS/WORLD/MIDDLE-EAST/EXXONSDEAL-WITH-THE-KURDS-INFLAMES-BAGHDAD-6274452.HTML ................................................................ 14
CLIMATE TALKS SET FOR 2020 GOAL .......................................................................................................... 14
UPDATE 2-LAOS DELAYS MEKONG DAM PROJECT, JAPAN TO CONDUCT STUDY....................................... 14
FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI OPERATOR CONSIDERS PLANS TO DUMP TREATED WATER INTO SEA .................... 15
BRAZILIAN SENATE EASES AMAZON PROTECTION RULES .......................................................................... 15
CHANGING CLIMATE PUTS DEVELOPMENT GOALS AT RISK ....................................................................... 15
U.S. AND SOUTH KOREA RENEW TALKS ON NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY ........................................................ 16
CONCLAVE TO OPEN ON MEKONG’S FATE ................................................................................................. 16
You can find more information about IFCE on our website: www.ifce.org
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Or, for original content on our blog at: www.ifcedc.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Edited by: C. Quinn (Other), E. Mamo (Europe), HY Zhang (China), and J. Gottesman (US)
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CHINA
China Says U.S. Solar Ruling Smacks Of Protectionism
December 5, 2011
Abstract: China said it was "deeply concerned" about a preliminary ruling by a U.S. trade body
that trade practices by Chinese solar makers are hurting U.S. producers and said the decision
underscored a U.S. "inclination to trade protectionism." Such protectionism measures would hurt
bilateral trade and jeopardize mutual cooperation on new energy issues, the Commerce Ministry
said in a statement on its website.
See the news article at: http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/64098
Dense smog in Beijing China stops hundreds of flights
December 5, 2011
Abstract: Beijing airport has cancelled hundreds of flights after dense smog reduced visibility in
the Chinese capital. Fog across parts of northern China meant motorways had to be closed and
many drivers kept their headlights on all day. In Beijing the fog was made worse by air pollution
and the US embassy there said particulate levels were "hazardous". Weather forecasts suggest
the fog will continue until Wednesday.
See the news article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16034087
UN climate talks look to China for deal options
December 5, 2011
Abstract: China is emerging as the key deal-maker or deal-breaker as the UN climate talks head
into ministerial discussions. China's delegates here have said they are willing in principle to take
part in a future, legally binding deal provided key conditions are met. But several critical details
of its position remain unclear.
See the news article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16034826
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Anger Grows Over Beijing’s Air Pollution
December 6, 2011
Abstract: The statement posted online along with a photograph of central Beijing muffled in a
miasma of brown haze did not mince words: “The end of the world is imminent.” The ceaseless
churning of factories and automobile engines in and around Beijing has led to this: hundreds of
flights canceled since Sunday because of smog, stores sold out of face masks, and many Chinese
complaining on the Internet that officials are failing to level with them about air quality or make
any improvements to the environment.
See the news article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/asia/beijing-journal-angergrows-over-air-pollution-in-china.html?ref=world
'It's really good stuff': undercover at a Chinese tiger bone wine auction
December 6, 201
Abstract: Sales of such products are forbidden by Chinese law and international convention, yet
even though the event at the Kunlun hotel had been advertised the previous night on state
television and flagged up by outraged conservation groups, uniformed police were initially
conspicuous by their absence. The buyers, however, had turned up in droves, or more precisely
in Audis and BMWs, for this was a sale aimed very much at the affluent middle class.
See the news article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2011/dec/06/china-tigerbone-wine-auction
Blogging battle over Beijing smog
China
December 7, 2011
Abstract: It was a contest over smog that was being fought across two social networks in two
completely different languages between two contenders separated by the world's biggest firewall.
At stake was the authority to define "unhealthy air" and, as a result, to shape public perceptions
and expectations. On one side was an automated air quality monitoring station set up by the US
embassy in Beijing that issues hourly updates via Twitter on the@beijingair account. On the
other side was the personal microblog of Du Shaozhong, the deputy director of the Beijing
Municipal Environmental Protection Administration, who has taken his passionate defence of the
city's policies onto China's most influential website, Sina Weibo.
See the news article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2011/dec/07/blog-beijingsmog?newsfeed=true
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In red China, Walmart leading a green revolution
December 7, 2011
Abstract: Walmart and China are conducting an “bold experiment in consumer behavior and environmental
stewardship that will be critical to the fate of the planet‟s environment,” wrote Orville Schell, director of the Center
on U.S.-China relations at the Asia Society in New York, in The Atlantic.
See the news article: http://www.pri.org/stories/science/environment/in-red-china-walmart-leading-a-greenrevolution-7339.html
Bill Gates and China in discussions over new nuclear reactor
December 7, 2011
Abstract: Bill Gates confirmed on Wednesday he is in discussions with China to jointly develop a
new kind of nuclear reactor. Gates has largely funded a Washington state-based company, Terra
Power that is developing a Generation IV nuclear reactor, which can run on depleted uranium.
The general manager of state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, Sun Qin, was quoted
in Chinese media last week saying Gates was working with it to research and develop a reactor.
See the news article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/07/bill-gates-chinanuclear-reactor?CMP=twt_gu
As Coal Use Declines in U.S., Coal Companies Focus on China
December 8, 2011
Abstract: With aging coal-fired U.S. power plants shutting down, major American coal
companies are exporting ever-larger amounts of coal to China. Now, plans to build two new
coal-shipping terminals on the West Coast have set up a battle with environmentalists who want
to steer the world away from fossil fuels.
See the news article:
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/as_coal_use_declines_in_us_coal_companies_focus_on_china/2474/
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Pressure Mounts on US, India, China to Seal COP17 Deal
December 9, 2011
Abstract: The U.S., China and India are facing intense pressure to sign on to a new international
deal that would see an ambitious agreement to reduce global emissions agreed by 2015 and
legally enacted by 2020. According to Reuters' reports, officials from island nations are currently
seeking bilateral meetings with the Indian delegation to call on them to relax their stance and
sign on to the E.U.'s proposed roadmap towards a new deal.
See the news article: http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2011/12/09/pressure-mounts-us-indiachina-seal-cop17-deal?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
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EUROPE
EU: Recycling Good for Economy but Must Tackle Critical Materials
December 9, 2011
Abstract: A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that recycling not
only diverts waste from landfill and helps meet demand for materials, it also creates jobs and
provides a valuable and growing contribution to European economies.
See the news article at: http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/display/articledisplay/4391233367/articles/waste-managementworld/recycling/2011/12/EU__Recycling_Good_for_Economy_but_Must_Tackle_Critical_Mate
rials.html
Climate cases surge – time for a climate court?
December 9, 2011
Abstract: Pleas to set up an international climate court were frequently voiced at this week‟s
climate talks in Durban. A climate court would enable victims of climate change to call the
perpetrators to account. There is little chance of a court like this actually being realised, says
Professor of International and European Environmental Law Jonathan Verschuuren, but in future
more climate cases will end up in court.
See the news article at: http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/climate-cases-surge-–-time-a-climatecourt
Paper Recycling Conference – Europe: Economic Models
December 8, 2011
Abstract: The opening session of the 2011 Paper Recycling Conference – Europe provided an
overview of the world economy as well as the implications for the paper and board industry in
the near term.
See the news article at: http://www.recyclingtoday.com/paper-recycling-europe-economicmodels.aspx
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Delay on Climate-Change Deal Prompts Backlash from Europe to Barbados
December 7, 2011
Abstract: President Barack Obama‟s position that dangerous global warming can be avoided
without deeper cuts in fossil-fuel emissions before 2020 has prompted a backlash in countries
from Norway to Barbados.
See the news article at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-08/u-s-delay-on-climatechange-deal-prompts-backlash-from-europe-to-barbados.html
Five Truths About Our Energy Future
December 6, 2011
Abstract: The International Energy Agency‟s annual World Energy Outlook gathers trends in
global energy use and uses them to project future trends. This article touches on some of the
surprising facts about the future of energy.
See the news article at:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2101573,00.html?xid=gonewsedit
Europeans Take Lead in Environmental Issues
December 5, 2011
Abstract: The European Union has historically taken the lead when it comes to environmental
issues. They have dealt with acid rain, the ozone layer, water pollution and more. In 2007, the
EU agreed to use 20 percent renewable energy in the future, and that it would reduce carbon
dioxide emissions by at least 20 percent by 2020.
See the news article at: http://www.sdcexec.com/article/10451767/europeans-take-lead-inenvironmental-issues
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The Arctic Institute – Center for Circumpolar Security Studies
December 5, 2011
Abstract: The Arctic area has great potential to be a significant new energy source, and will
likely bring more geopolitical debate, as multiple countries and the E.U. want to reap the area‟s
benefits. The Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy recently launched the first impact
study of offshore drilling in the Arctic region.
See the news article at: http://www.thearcticinstitute.org/2011/12/6371-is-european-unionmissing-another.html
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UNITED STATES
Al Gore: United States an ‘Obstacle to Progress’ in Global Climate Talks
December 3, 2011
Abstract: Former US Vice President, climate change activist, and an Inconvenient Truth auteur
has stated that the United States, in its inability to perform meaningful action with regard to
climate change is actually preventing a comprehensive, and positive international agreement to
be reached at Durban through its hesitancy. Gore further contends that the US‟s inaction now has
left the burden for technological improvements and social movements, rather than the actions of
governments to stop global climate change.
See the news article at: http://www.treehugger.com/climate-change/al-gore-united-statesobstacle-progress-global-climate-talks.html
Hard Plastic Bottles, Reborn as a Bridge
December 4, 2011
Abstract: The town of York, ME has found a ingenious solution to one of landfills‟ long-time
banes: plastic bottles. Because they do not degrade, they take up massive amounts of space and
energy if not put to alternate uses. Previous reinventions have come in the form of house-siding,
or even clothing, but bridges, given their magnitude provide a tremendous opportunity for
providing a second life for these wasted containers.
See the news article at: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/plastic-bottles-reborn-as-abridge/
10
The Green Conundrum: Can Small Actions Add Up to Collective Change?
December 5, 2011
Abstract: Rob McDonald of the Nature Conservancy responds to a Washington Post Op-Ed
criticizing President Obama‟s lack of actions (or at least, the dragging of his feet) regarding the
Keystone XL pipeline. More importantly, McDonald explores the viability of continued pressure
of small movements, and their propensity to enact meaningful change.
See the news article at: http://blog.nature.org/2011/12/the-green-conundrum-can-small-actionsadd-up-to-collective-change/
Renewable Energy in 1970, Renewable Energy Now (Maps) [US]
December 6, 2011
Abstract: Black & Veatch have provided a poignant before and after map of the US charting
renewable energy. Positively, we went from nothing, to a whole lot. Literally every state now has
a renewable energy project, and almost all of those with wind powered pursuits as well. The
downside? Well, it took us 40 years to get here, and it still only accounts for 4% of our energy.
See the news article at: http://www.treehugger.com/renewable-energy/us-renewable-energy1970-renewable-energy-now-maps.html
Green Jobs: What do they mean?
December 7, 2011
Abstract: Jobvine Jobs has produced a wholly informative and uplifting Green Job infographic,
detailing their progression, growth, power, meaning, and impact. Hit the link to learn more.
See the news article at: http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/07/green-jobs-fun-infographic-more
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Rampant Marijuana Cultivation is Damaging U.S. National Forests
December 8, 2011
Abstract: US officials believe that cultivation of the nationally illegal plant has caused „severe‟
damage to some ecosystems and wildlife in twenty states. Operations have already been
uncovered in 67 national parks, usually claiming around 20 acres illegitimately.
See the news article at:
http://e360.yale.edu/digest/illegal_marijuana_cultivation_in_us_national_forests_causing_severe
_damage/3243/
Most Americans Think We Can Afford to Fight Global Warming, Despite
Economy
December 9, 2011
Abstract: According to a new Yale Climate Change Communication survey, the majority (barely,
57%) say they are willing to address our climate issues right now, despite a faltering economy.
The question then becomes, are they willing to walk the walk as well?
See the news article at: http://www.treehugger.com/climate-change/most-americans-think-wecan-afford-fight-global-warming-despite-crappy-economy.html
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OTHER COUNTRIES
Export ban will lead to sharp hike in oil prices, Iran warns
Iran
December 5, 2011
Abstract: Iran issued a warning concerning the possibility of a large hike in oil prices if sanctions
from the United States and the European Union are imposed on Iranian oil exports. However, oil
analysts contradicted these claims, noting that Saudi Arabia would be able to increase its oil
production to offset the loss of Iranian exports. Talk of banning the importation of oil,
petrochemicals, and gas from Iran began after the UN issued a report that acknowledged
evidence of Iran‟s attempts to construct a nuclear weapon.
See the news article at: http://gulfnews.com/business/oil-gas/export-ban-will-lead-to-sharp-hikein-oil-prices-iran-warns-1.943590
India’s ‘Astonishing Auction’ Pushes Down Global Solar Price
India
December 5, 2011
Abstract: To reduce the price of developing solar energy while trying to avoid falling into a
subsidy trap, India held an auction the other day to sell contracts for solar projects. Contracts
were granted to companies who offered to sell the electricity generated from these plants at the
lowest prices. Overall, 28 contracts were sold; the lowest price of the day was $147 per
megawatt-hour. Meanwhile, the average global price of photovoltaic energy is $208 per
megawatt-hour.
See the news article at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-02/india-s-solar-power-bidprices-sink-to-record-consultant-says.html
13
Exxon's deal with the Kurds inflames Baghdad
Middle East
December 9, 2011
Abstract: Exxon Mobil and the Kurdish government signed a deal last month to commence exploratory drilling in
the area of northern Iraq that they control, ignoring the Iraqi government‟s warnings. The Iraqi government is
currently deciding if and how they will retaliate against Exxon. Three of the six regions where Exxon is set to drill
are in disputed areas.
See the news article at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/exxons-deal-with-the-kurdsinflames-baghdad-6274452.html
Climate talks set for 2020 goal
Global
December 9, 2011
Abstract: A draft agreement has been proposed, which would not require countries to meet
emission cuts until 2020. Although the climate talks were originally set to produce a legally
binding text, this draft would not impose legal standards on any country. The Alliance of Small
Island States (AOSIS), unsatisfied by the draft, released their own text, which calls for
negotiations on a legally binding agreement to begin early next year and finish by next year‟s
climate talks.
See the news article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16118909
UPDATE 2-Laos delays Mekong dam project, Japan to conduct study
Laos
December 8, 2011
Abstract: Laos has decided to suspend activity on a $3.5 billion dam project that would construct
the first dam on the lower-Mekong. After an Environmental Impact Assessment, performed by
the Lao government, was deemed insufficient, Japan began its own study of the potential
environmental implications of the dam. The dam would serve Laos, Japan, Vietnam, and
Cambodia.
See the news article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/08/laos-damidUSL3E7N83VK20111208
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Fukushima Daiichi operator considers plans to dump treated water into sea
Japan
December 8, 2011
Abstract: Tokyo Electric Power announced that it is running out of room to store radioactive
water following the accident at Fukushima. They are planning to release about 150,000 tons of
the contaminated water into the ocean in March. The plan is currently under approval by the
Japanese government.
See the news article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/08/fukushima-operatortreated-water-sea
Brazilian Senate eases Amazon protection rules
Brazil
December 7, 2011
Abstract: The Brazilian Senate approved a bill that would reduce the amount of land in the
Amazon that must be preserved as forest, citing a need for increased food production. The bill
will next face the Chamber of Deputies. Opponents warn of the potential for increased
destruction of the Amazon.
See the news article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16065069
Changing climate puts development goals at risk
Global
December 7, 2011
Abstract: According to the U.N. Development Programme, the effects of climate change have
negated the progress made through the Millennium Development Goals, as a result of the
disproportionate impact that climate change will have on developing countries. According to the
U.N., developing countries will bear three quarters of the consequences of climate change.
See the news article at: http://www.iol.co.za/business/opinion/changing-climate-putsdevelopment-goals-at-risk-1.1193729
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U.S. and South Korea Renew Talks on Nuclear Technology
South Korea
December 6, 2011
Abstract: The United States and South Korea resumed talks on the possibility of South Korea
gaining access to nuclear technology. Although South Korea signed a treaty with the U.S. in
1974 promising to refrain from using nuclear technology, the South Korean government wants to
revise the treaty to allow them access to nuclear energy. By 2030, South Korea wants to produce
60% of its power from nuclear energy and export nuclear reactors. Negotiations to rewrite the
treaty began a year ago.
See the news article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/asia/us-and-south-korearenew-talks-on-nuclear-technology.html?_r=2&ref=energy-environment
Conclave to Open on Mekong’s Fate
Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
December 6, 2011
Abstract: Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos met to discuss the possibility of constructing a
dam, known as Xayaburi, on the Mekong River in Laos. Environmentalists warn of the possible
consequences of the dam, including its impact on the river, which is the second most biodiverse
river in the world and is used for fishing, farming, and transportation. Xayaburi is the first of a
proposed 11 mainstream power plants.
See the news article at: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/conclave-opens-on-themekongs-fate/?ref=energy-environment
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