China's CO2 emission question

What is China's CO2 level?

At the Copenhagen Conference, which essentially ended in no resolution at all on cutting carbon emissions, Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to reduce the carbon intensity of China's economy by a "notable margin" between 2005 and 2020.

While the world took this as a positive step that on the most rapidly-industrialising countries in the world would take measures to reduce its emissions, China has never been completely transparent about its carbon output, leading many to speculate how it will be possible to measure their reductions.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Building's global construction summit in Shanghai, John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister and the UK's lead negotiator in the Kyoto Protocol, said that China must be forthcoming about its emissions.

"China will not accept externally imposed limits on emissions because it's like foreign domination and I understand that, but China needs to respect the principles of accountability and transparency."

Prescott added that the West recognises the needs of the rest of the world to catch up in development and standards of living and as such, "expanding fossil fuel consumption is still a must for them".

"It's no longer possible for a few strong and rich countries to try and control others by dictate. Rich countries must bear the greatest burden for the problem they created."

China's green progress

Despite China's reluctance to be completely open about their carbon emissions, the coal-heavy country has made significant strides into renewable energy. While the country made a lot of effort to cut down smog levels for the Beijing Olympics, recent headlines have been full of the country's attempt to corner the solar panel and geothermal market.

Indeed today, China is the largest producer of solar power systems in the world and has massive eco-friendly schemes in the pipeline, such as Beijing's Dawangjing District, Pearl River Tower and their proposed 'Solar Valley'.

Granted the country is still a heavy coal user, but with plans such as these in the pipeline as well as the hydroelectric mega-project, The Three Gorges Dam, and planned wind farm expansion, China is doing everything they can - it would appear - to cut whatever emissions they produce.

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Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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