But what about China?

This assessment comes from The Climate Group, an independent organization focused on rapidly expanding the uptake of “best practices” for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report says China is the world’s top maker of solar power panels, is set to become the top exporter of wind turbines and has two-thirds of the global market in solar water heaters. China is also is a leading producer of energy efficient domestic appliances and rechargeable batteries. At the same time it has brought in stringent measures to boost fuel efficiency and has boosted production of electric-powered bicycles and efficient compact cars.

“Far from ignoring climate change, Chinese leaders have already committed to improving energy efficiency and scaling up the growth of low carbon industries,” according to Changhua Wu, The Climate Group’s China Director. “China is beginning to pull its weight on climate change and the targets and policies in place are in line with those being taken by ‘leading’ countries like the UK and Germany.”

Investment in renewable energy in China – almost USD $12 billion in 2007 – is almost level with world leader Germany as a percentage of GDP. Stronger policies from the Chinese government are creating increased demand for low carbon investment and China will require a further USD $398 billion (USD $33billion per year) to meet its 2020 renewable energy goals.

This new report echoes what I’ve been hearing from my WWF colleagues in China – the government is recognizing the threat posed by climate change and taking action. And when they move, the world should sit up and take notice.

You may also want to point out to your friends who have swallowed the line that there’s no point in Canada taking action on global warming until China makes equal commitments that China produces about 5 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person, whereas Canadians generate about 24 tonnes per person. So we’ve got some catching up to do….

by Keith Stewart