energy and environment in china在中国的能源和.PPTVIP

Energy and Environment in China Kenneth B Medlock III Senior Research Fellow in Energy Studies, James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy Visiting Professor, Economics Department Rice University Framing the discussion The following appeared in a recent article in the Washington Post, “…the water in five of China’s largest rivers is so polluted it is dangerous to touch because it causes skin diseases; the Huai River, in the fertile province of Anhui, is filled with garbage, yellow foam and piles of dead fish. Several of the country’s main waterways, including the Yellow River, a vital artery, run dry before reaching the sea. More than 600 million Chinese, roughly half the country’s population, now drink water contaminated with animal and human waste…” While these statements may contain an element of shock value, they should nonetheless raise awareness that China has challenges to face if it is to continue its torrid pace of economic development. Framing the discussion The attainment of higher standards of living for all citizens is a prime factor in motivating economic progress. Energy is crucial to economic progress. Most energy services are facilitated by the combustion of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal)… about 86% globally in 2002. The combustion of fossil fuels releases sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and soot and particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. These present immediate health risks. The combustion of fossil fuels also releases carbon dioxide. (However, it is unlikely this ranks high on the list of priorities.) Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Energy use per person increases with GDP per person Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Emissions are a function of total energy consumption Emissions rise with energy use, absent the introduction of technologies aimed at reducing emissions per unit energy consumed Emissions are a function of primary fuel composition Coal combustion results in greater emissions of SOx