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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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China Plans Massive Push for Green Power

Country could be world's leader in clean energy by 2020

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(Newser) – China is on course to obtain 20% of its energy from wind and solar sources by 2020—a transformation that would make the country the world leader in renewables. Beijing is ramping up its targets for clean energy, helped by the $590 billion stimulus package passed last year, a senior government official told the Guardian. "Due to the impact of global financial crisis, people are all talking about green and sustainable development," he said.

China has been under substantial pressure from the US and Europe to cut its emissions, and the country's reluctance to act has contributed to recent stalemates at climate talks. But ahead of the crucial Copenhagen summit later this year, China now says it's open to limits on carbon emissions relative to economic output. The US and China alone account for about half of the world's greenhouse gas.

China is planning a substantial increase in its use of wind and solar power over the next ­decade.
China is planning a substantial increase in its use of wind and solar power over the next ­decade.   (©jeremybarwick)
The vice chairman of China's national development and reform commission thinks the country could hit a 20% target for clean energy in just a decade.
The vice chairman of China's national development and reform commission thinks the country could hit a 20% target for clean energy in just a decade.   (©fmckinlay)
China could become the world leader in green energy by 2020.
China could become the world leader in green energy by 2020.   (©mattburns.co.uk)
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We are now formulating a plan for development of renewable energy. We will at least reach 18%. Personally I think we could reach the target of having renewables provide 20% of total energy. - Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-chairman, National Development and Reform Commission

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TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 10, 09 9:06 AM CDT
It's noteworthy that two of the world's economic leaders are the leaders in pollution. It is logical of course because one begets the other, but it's another example of the leading nations setting the wrong example and leading in the wrong direction. Is it because these people are stupid, greedy or just don't care about future generations? Reply
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Timinator2K
Jun 10, 09 9:16 AM CDT
People tend to fall into two categories. One lives their lives only for their next one in Heaven and the other only lives their lives for their children. Does anybody ever live their lives to make the most of their own time here to contribute to society's needs in the present and not dedicated solely for some afterlife or, next generation? Yes, we all serve but, what's the point of our own lives? Reply
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schmidtkoff
Jun 10, 09 10:30 AM CDT
they can call our debt at any time, they are moving int south and central america, they are buying up interests in the us and nimbys lollygag and bicker over wind farms -- they undervalue their currency and have a massive trade deficit with us, the US. wow. why not just sign over america to the chinese? Reply
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Robert_Dada
Jun 10, 09 3:39 PM CDT
China isn't calling anyone's debt in. They drove themselves into a dollar trap, and they can neither get out of it nor change the policies that put them in that trap in the first place. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/03/opinion/03krugman.html?_r=1
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radnip
Jun 16, 09 3:08 PM CDT
People fall into two categories: Those who think the earth can support an infinite number of humans and those who think humans should responsibly populate the planet. Pollution is easy to control for the latter group; for the former, it is impossible no matter the "greenness". Reply
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