BEIJING—China plans to push for more funding for clean-energy technologies in the developing world even as it repeated its opposition to mandatory emissions cuts, underscoring the challenges at climate-change talks beginning next week in South Africa.
International climate-change officials are meeting in Durban ahead of the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol global-warming treaty next year, but any formal agreement is considered unlikely by experts.
In addition to continued opposition from major greenhouse-gas emitters China, India and the U.S.—factors that hobbled similar talks in Copenhagen two years ago—Europe continues to grapple with its debt crisis. That makes any new cuts that could curb economic growth and new spending on green initiatives much less likely. Meanwhile, Japan is considering its plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 25% by 2020 after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster led political leaders to reconsider the nation's nuclear ambitions.
Xie Zhenhua, China's top climate change official, acknowledged at a news conference Tuesday that the global economic crisis will hinder the effort. But he said those difficulties are only "temporary."
"Combating climate change is a long-term effort," he said, urging developed countries to make progress on the financing for the climate change fund for developing countries.
At the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009, rich nations promised to provide $30 billion as fast-start funds, which are required to be "new and additional," between 2010 and 2012 to help poor countries to adapt to climate change.
"The provision of the funds didn't fully meet the requirements," he said, without elaborating.
China's push for funds could get a critical reception in the U.S. A number of U.S. companies have asked for antidumping probes against Chinese solar power products. China has insisted that its policies on solar energy conform with World Trade Organization rules.
Mr. Xie reiterated China's position in climate change negotiations, saying China will stick to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," which requires developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions and provide financial support and transfer technologies to developing countries.
At the same time, he acknowledged China's role as the world No. 1 emitter of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas. "China's current emissions of greenhouse gases are very large, and the growth is very fast," he said. "This is a fact."
Still, he said China plans to curb growth by increasing the share of nonfossil energy in total energy consumption to 11.4% by the end of 2015 and 15% by 2020, from 8.3% at end of 2010, Mr. Xie said, referring to plans to expand nuclear power, wind, hydropower and solar power.
A white paper on China's climate policies and actions issued Tuesday said developed countries should be responsible for accumulative emissions during their more than 200 years of industrialization, which is the main reason for global warming.
—Zhoudong Shangguan
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Energy resource bureau aims to bring State Department out of the dark ages
Newly-established bureau, headed former US ambassador to Mexico, to focus on expanding energy resources worldwide
It can often seem as if the US establishment is stuck in a time warp when it comes to energy and the environment. Congress is dominated by Republicans who doubt the existence of man-made climate change (and evolution). The White House has backed away from regulating smog.
But now comes news from the State Department of a re-organisation recognising the connection between energy supplies and international security.
The State Department's new bureau of energy resources will focus on maintaining stable supplies of affordable energy; promoting green technology, including the US industry; and expanding access to electricity to the 1.3bn people who currently live without it.
The 55-person bureau will be headed by Carlos Pascual, who was forced to resign as US ambassador to Mexico last March after WikiLeaks published his criticism of the authorities' fight against drug trafficking.
In a briefing for international press on Tuesday, Pascual insisted the new unit did not represent a downgrading in the importance the US gives to climate change.
"What we are doing in the energy bureau is not an alternative to the discussion on climate change," Pascual said. "I see myself as a partner to the team that is working on climate change. They are setting the broad paramenters, but in the end we have to ask ourselves: 'how does that translate into the discussions we have to have on the market policies that exist?"
Between the lines, however, it looks like Pascual is going to be devoting far more of his attentions to gas than to wind, solar, or other renewable energies.
In his remarks, Pascual noted the explosive growth of shale gas in the US, and around the world.
"Shale as a commodity is becoming part of an active process of international negotiations," he said.
He went on: "We support additional gas on global markets as long as it is done in an environmentally sustainable way."
In addition to encouraging development of shale gas to relieve pressure on oil, Pascual will also be keeping a close eye on China, one of the biggest energy users in the world.
Obama administration officials have often complained of the Chinese government's support for wind and solar industries. China invested $48bn in renewable energy last year.
Pascual said the office would work with China to develop new energy technologies and push for greater access to Chinese markets.
One area of energy Pascual will not be working on: tar sands. He said he had been "recused" from dealing with the Alberta tar sands or the controversial proposed Keystone XL pipeline to Texas.
It can often seem as if the US establishment is stuck in a time warp when it comes to energy and the environment. Congress is dominated by Republicans who doubt the existence of man-made climate change (and evolution). The White House has backed away from regulating smog.
But now comes news from the State Department of a re-organisation recognising the connection between energy supplies and international security.
The State Department's new bureau of energy resources will focus on maintaining stable supplies of affordable energy; promoting green technology, including the US industry; and expanding access to electricity to the 1.3bn people who currently live without it.
The 55-person bureau will be headed by Carlos Pascual, who was forced to resign as US ambassador to Mexico last March after WikiLeaks published his criticism of the authorities' fight against drug trafficking.
In a briefing for international press on Tuesday, Pascual insisted the new unit did not represent a downgrading in the importance the US gives to climate change.
"What we are doing in the energy bureau is not an alternative to the discussion on climate change," Pascual said. "I see myself as a partner to the team that is working on climate change. They are setting the broad paramenters, but in the end we have to ask ourselves: 'how does that translate into the discussions we have to have on the market policies that exist?"
Between the lines, however, it looks like Pascual is going to be devoting far more of his attentions to gas than to wind, solar, or other renewable energies.
In his remarks, Pascual noted the explosive growth of shale gas in the US, and around the world.
"Shale as a commodity is becoming part of an active process of international negotiations," he said.
He went on: "We support additional gas on global markets as long as it is done in an environmentally sustainable way."
In addition to encouraging development of shale gas to relieve pressure on oil, Pascual will also be keeping a close eye on China, one of the biggest energy users in the world.
Obama administration officials have often complained of the Chinese government's support for wind and solar industries. China invested $48bn in renewable energy last year.
Pascual said the office would work with China to develop new energy technologies and push for greater access to Chinese markets.
One area of energy Pascual will not be working on: tar sands. He said he had been "recused" from dealing with the Alberta tar sands or the controversial proposed Keystone XL pipeline to Texas.
Coalition faces major revolt over planned cuts to solar subsidies
More than 20 Lib Dem MPs likely to vote against measures that would halve feed-in tariffs and threaten burgeoning industry
Fiona Harvey, environment correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 22 November 2011 19.14 GMT
The coalition will seek to head off one of the biggest rebellions on policy yet on Wednesday when MPs debate drastic cuts to the subsidies that have sparked a 39,000-job boom in solar power.
More than 20 Liberal Democrat MPs are likely to vote against the plans, in a revolt that observers say is likely to outdo the vote on tuition fees, when 21 of the party's number broke ranks.
The rebellion extends to ministerial level, with Norman Baker, the transport minister, writing to the climate secretary and fellow Lib Dem Chris Huhne to protest about the cuts, under which incentives to install solar panels would be halved, with potentially disastrous results for the fledgling industry. Baker said: "I have reservations about the speed and level of the proposed changes for community size projects [usually for panels to be installed on social housing] and I am therefore asking the secretary of state to examine urgently the case for some flexibility to mitigate any adverse effects of the changes."
Insiders say more than 40 Lib Dem MPs have expressed concern over the cuts, which are causing turmoil and job losses in solar companies – but, under pressure from the coalition whips, not all of these may decide to register their disapproval by voting with the opposition.
However, many are likely to be made just as uncomfortable by the extent of pressure being brought to bear outside parliament and among voters in key constituencies. On Tuesday, a rally against the cuts brought green protesters and solar industry workers to parliament.
Local government officials are also applying pressure– a briefing document seen by the Guardian shows deep opposition to the plans. In the document, the Lib Dems among the Local Government Association are vocal in their criticism of the cuts, acutely aware that environmental issues, and the creation of green jobs, are crucial issues for a large proportion of Lib Dem voters. The document says: "We fought the last general election on getting more green jobs. The feed-in tariff was helping to grow a new industry and get more people into work. We don't want to see this put at risk. [The cut] flies in the face of the government's hard work in schemes such as the regional growth fund and the Growing Places fund to help create employment."
Plans to halve the feed-in tariffs available for households installing solar panels were unveiled by ministers last month, after ministers took fright at media headlines attacking "green" subsidies and taxes as the source of energy bill rises – even though research by the regulator Ofgem and others shows fossil fuel price volatility to be the main cause of bill increases. They were also concerned that recent falls in the cost of solar technology meant companies were making excess profits from the panels, and that the boom in take-up would mean the £860m allocated for them would soon be used up.
Halving the feed-in tariffs for solar, however, is likely to save as little as 60p on an annual energy bill, which according to the industry would be outweighed by the loss of tax revenue and the impact of job cuts. They also point out that lower income households and those in fuel poverty are likely to be worst hit, as social housing landlords will find it hardest to get financing for installing panels, as will schemes for lower income households to have panels installed at no upfront cost.
Nigel Barnard, a director of Westward Housing Group, which is installing panels on 900 properties, said: "[The cuts] will have a considerable impact on our ability to help alleviate fuel poverty for many of our customers, though we are continuing to work hard to find positive solutions."
Most solar companies agree that, given the reductions in cost, the tariffs should be reduced. But they are concerned that the cuts are too deep, and the sudden introduction of the cuts – which will take effect from 12 December – is causing chaos as companies struggle to fulfil orders in time. Investors have also been scared off by the government's actions, as sudden changes to the subsidies make it hard to develop medium- and long-term business plans.
Several solar companies are bringing legal actions against the government, arguing that the rushed introduction of the cuts is illegal, because it is happening in advance of the consultation on the issue.
Labour, which introduced the feed-in tariffs late in its last term, is determined to take the government to task on the issue. Caroline Flint, shadow energy and climate change secretary, said: "The government's cuts to feed-in tariffs will hit families, put thousands of jobs at risk and destroy the solar industry. This is just the latest example of a government which is out of touch, cutting too far and too fast, with no plan for jobs and growth. They must think again, revise their scheme and extend their tariff deadline."
Fiona Harvey, environment correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 22 November 2011 19.14 GMT
The coalition will seek to head off one of the biggest rebellions on policy yet on Wednesday when MPs debate drastic cuts to the subsidies that have sparked a 39,000-job boom in solar power.
More than 20 Liberal Democrat MPs are likely to vote against the plans, in a revolt that observers say is likely to outdo the vote on tuition fees, when 21 of the party's number broke ranks.
The rebellion extends to ministerial level, with Norman Baker, the transport minister, writing to the climate secretary and fellow Lib Dem Chris Huhne to protest about the cuts, under which incentives to install solar panels would be halved, with potentially disastrous results for the fledgling industry. Baker said: "I have reservations about the speed and level of the proposed changes for community size projects [usually for panels to be installed on social housing] and I am therefore asking the secretary of state to examine urgently the case for some flexibility to mitigate any adverse effects of the changes."
Insiders say more than 40 Lib Dem MPs have expressed concern over the cuts, which are causing turmoil and job losses in solar companies – but, under pressure from the coalition whips, not all of these may decide to register their disapproval by voting with the opposition.
However, many are likely to be made just as uncomfortable by the extent of pressure being brought to bear outside parliament and among voters in key constituencies. On Tuesday, a rally against the cuts brought green protesters and solar industry workers to parliament.
Local government officials are also applying pressure– a briefing document seen by the Guardian shows deep opposition to the plans. In the document, the Lib Dems among the Local Government Association are vocal in their criticism of the cuts, acutely aware that environmental issues, and the creation of green jobs, are crucial issues for a large proportion of Lib Dem voters. The document says: "We fought the last general election on getting more green jobs. The feed-in tariff was helping to grow a new industry and get more people into work. We don't want to see this put at risk. [The cut] flies in the face of the government's hard work in schemes such as the regional growth fund and the Growing Places fund to help create employment."
Plans to halve the feed-in tariffs available for households installing solar panels were unveiled by ministers last month, after ministers took fright at media headlines attacking "green" subsidies and taxes as the source of energy bill rises – even though research by the regulator Ofgem and others shows fossil fuel price volatility to be the main cause of bill increases. They were also concerned that recent falls in the cost of solar technology meant companies were making excess profits from the panels, and that the boom in take-up would mean the £860m allocated for them would soon be used up.
Halving the feed-in tariffs for solar, however, is likely to save as little as 60p on an annual energy bill, which according to the industry would be outweighed by the loss of tax revenue and the impact of job cuts. They also point out that lower income households and those in fuel poverty are likely to be worst hit, as social housing landlords will find it hardest to get financing for installing panels, as will schemes for lower income households to have panels installed at no upfront cost.
Nigel Barnard, a director of Westward Housing Group, which is installing panels on 900 properties, said: "[The cuts] will have a considerable impact on our ability to help alleviate fuel poverty for many of our customers, though we are continuing to work hard to find positive solutions."
Most solar companies agree that, given the reductions in cost, the tariffs should be reduced. But they are concerned that the cuts are too deep, and the sudden introduction of the cuts – which will take effect from 12 December – is causing chaos as companies struggle to fulfil orders in time. Investors have also been scared off by the government's actions, as sudden changes to the subsidies make it hard to develop medium- and long-term business plans.
Several solar companies are bringing legal actions against the government, arguing that the rushed introduction of the cuts is illegal, because it is happening in advance of the consultation on the issue.
Labour, which introduced the feed-in tariffs late in its last term, is determined to take the government to task on the issue. Caroline Flint, shadow energy and climate change secretary, said: "The government's cuts to feed-in tariffs will hit families, put thousands of jobs at risk and destroy the solar industry. This is just the latest example of a government which is out of touch, cutting too far and too fast, with no plan for jobs and growth. They must think again, revise their scheme and extend their tariff deadline."
China pre-empts Durban conference with boasts on green progress
White paper outlining China's recent achievements seen as attempt to minimise blame if talks in Durban break down
Jonathan Watts
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 22 November 2011 17.19 GMT
China's climate negotiators fired off a pre-emptive volley on Wednesday, with the most detailed report to date on the progress the country has made to ease greenhouse gases, and the strategy it will adopt at next week's climate talks in Durban.
With the world's biggest carbon emitter expected to come under intense pressure in South Africa, the government released the white paper to highlight its achievements on renewables, afforestation and industrial efficiency, and set the stage for closer collaboration with Europe and developing nations.
It is both a last-ditch attempt to salvage a deal and a political insurance policy aimed at minimising blame – and most likely deflecting it to the US – if the talks break down.
The document released by the State Council – China's cabinet – contained no new details, but it spelled out the measures the government has taken to meet the commitment made at Copenhagen: a reduction in carbon emissions relative to GDP by 40-45% between 2005 and 2020.
The paper also spells out the steps that will be taken over the next five years to increase forest cover by 12.5m hectares and lift the non-fossil fuel share of energy consumption to 11.4%.
Despite widespread pessimism about the prospects for a deal, Xie Zhenhua, the head of the Chinese delegation to Durban, said China wanted to overcome the impasse between rich and poor countries by getting Europe to commit to a renewal of the Kyoto Protocol, and other nations – who are unwilling to sign – to make comparable voluntary cuts or provide technology and financial assistance.
Xie said an extension to the Kyoto Protocol – the first commitment phase of which is currently set to end in 2012 – was crucial: "How to solve this problem is actually a very central, very key problem at the Durban meeting".
A comprehensive deal still looks elusive and the Guardian reported this week that rich countries have privately admitted that no new global climate agreement will be reached before 2016 at the earliest, but hopes have been rekindled by signs that Europe, China and the G77 group of developing nations have been working constructively in recent months. There is a faint possibility that Europe may agree to a new commitment period if China and the G77 promise to accept binding cuts by 2015 or 2020.
Yang Fuqiang, senior climate adviser to the US-based Natural Resource Defence Council, said the paper showed a more co-operative and transparent approach.
"This new white paper shows China's new policy towards climate change is more constructive, more flexible," he said. "This white paper will help to release the pressure if China is unfairly accused in Durban."
Other NGO analysts concurred. Wu Changhua, the greater China director of the Climate Group, said: "I don't think this white paper will influence the process of the Durban conference, but it is a form of communication with the world. It shows what China has done."
Other observers saw hints of a more fundamental shift, including a recognition by the government that its existing approach is insufficient because the economy is growing so fast that even if China achieves its carbon intensity goals the overall amount of emissions will surge.
Li Yan of Greenpeace said she was encouraged that Xie was talking openly about the need to control total energy consumption, rather than just its intensity relative to GDP.
"I think Xie admitted the China's energy structure is the big problem for China carbon emission. To control the use of coal energy is key to control carbon emissions," Li said. "The central government has the policy, but the problem is how to implement it."
But most noted the strategic role of the paper in highlight how much China has done in recent years compared to the US and other so-called "boulder nations" that are increasingly seen as obstacles to progress.
• Additional research by Cecily Huang
Jonathan Watts
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 22 November 2011 17.19 GMT
China's climate negotiators fired off a pre-emptive volley on Wednesday, with the most detailed report to date on the progress the country has made to ease greenhouse gases, and the strategy it will adopt at next week's climate talks in Durban.
With the world's biggest carbon emitter expected to come under intense pressure in South Africa, the government released the white paper to highlight its achievements on renewables, afforestation and industrial efficiency, and set the stage for closer collaboration with Europe and developing nations.
It is both a last-ditch attempt to salvage a deal and a political insurance policy aimed at minimising blame – and most likely deflecting it to the US – if the talks break down.
The document released by the State Council – China's cabinet – contained no new details, but it spelled out the measures the government has taken to meet the commitment made at Copenhagen: a reduction in carbon emissions relative to GDP by 40-45% between 2005 and 2020.
The paper also spells out the steps that will be taken over the next five years to increase forest cover by 12.5m hectares and lift the non-fossil fuel share of energy consumption to 11.4%.
Despite widespread pessimism about the prospects for a deal, Xie Zhenhua, the head of the Chinese delegation to Durban, said China wanted to overcome the impasse between rich and poor countries by getting Europe to commit to a renewal of the Kyoto Protocol, and other nations – who are unwilling to sign – to make comparable voluntary cuts or provide technology and financial assistance.
Xie said an extension to the Kyoto Protocol – the first commitment phase of which is currently set to end in 2012 – was crucial: "How to solve this problem is actually a very central, very key problem at the Durban meeting".
A comprehensive deal still looks elusive and the Guardian reported this week that rich countries have privately admitted that no new global climate agreement will be reached before 2016 at the earliest, but hopes have been rekindled by signs that Europe, China and the G77 group of developing nations have been working constructively in recent months. There is a faint possibility that Europe may agree to a new commitment period if China and the G77 promise to accept binding cuts by 2015 or 2020.
Yang Fuqiang, senior climate adviser to the US-based Natural Resource Defence Council, said the paper showed a more co-operative and transparent approach.
"This new white paper shows China's new policy towards climate change is more constructive, more flexible," he said. "This white paper will help to release the pressure if China is unfairly accused in Durban."
Other NGO analysts concurred. Wu Changhua, the greater China director of the Climate Group, said: "I don't think this white paper will influence the process of the Durban conference, but it is a form of communication with the world. It shows what China has done."
Other observers saw hints of a more fundamental shift, including a recognition by the government that its existing approach is insufficient because the economy is growing so fast that even if China achieves its carbon intensity goals the overall amount of emissions will surge.
Li Yan of Greenpeace said she was encouraged that Xie was talking openly about the need to control total energy consumption, rather than just its intensity relative to GDP.
"I think Xie admitted the China's energy structure is the big problem for China carbon emission. To control the use of coal energy is key to control carbon emissions," Li said. "The central government has the policy, but the problem is how to implement it."
But most noted the strategic role of the paper in highlight how much China has done in recent years compared to the US and other so-called "boulder nations" that are increasingly seen as obstacles to progress.
• Additional research by Cecily Huang
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