Clean move

A new report claims that China has reduced its carbon dioxide (co2) emissions by 17 per cent since 1997 while its economy grew by 36 per cent. In the same period, co2 emissions of the us increased by 14 per cent. The report by the Natural Resources Defence Council ( nrdc ) states China has reduced its co2 emissions by 17 per cent -- 140 million metric tonnes -- by switching from coal to cleaner energy sources, launching energy efficiency programmes and restructuring its economy. The report contradicts us president George W Bush's claim that China is not taking steps to combat global warming.Bush, while rejecting the Kyoto Protocol, had stated that it would be unfair to ask us citizens to cut greenhouse gas emissions unless other major emitters are also asked to do the same (Read: The logjam continues).

"Evidences prove that China has done more than the us to combat global warming over the last decade. The president should stop hiding behind China's skirts as an excuse for stalling on taking action on global warming," said Robert Watson, a nrdc scientist.

China has been able to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases mainly by reducing its usage of coal, a primary source of global warming. China has phased out all coal subsidies; closed 25,000 coal mines and shut down inefficient electric plants running on coal. Following this, China's coal consumption declined by 411 million tonnes since 1996, according to us department of energy statistics. In contrast, us coal consumption increased by 40 million tonnes during the same time period.

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