Guardian Article on China Emissions Plan Amounts to Wishful Thinking – China Environment

A report with cool graphics illustrating the carbon emissions from various countries. Interesting to not that "continuing expansion of China has offset the reduction in carbon emissions in recession-hit western countries." [Here's a link to the PDF of the graphic.]

Everyone tries to fudge the numbers. China says it will cut its "carbon intensity" by 40% to 45% no later than 2020, compared with 2005. But what exactly does "carbon intensity" mean. Not what you think. It's is simply a measure of efficiency. So, even if China's economy continues to grow, their green house gas emissions will continue to rise, too. Bryan Walsh explains.

China announced plans Thursday to cut its carbon emissions by up to 45 percent as measured against its economic output — a commitment from the world's largest polluter that builds momentum ahead of a widely anticipated climate conference in Copenhagen next month.

China's growth kept churning through the 2009 global financial crisis that left the United States and Europe in economic shambles. That kept China's global carbon emissions on a steadily upward trajectory, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

"In 2040, the Chinese economy will reach $123 trillion, or nearly three times the economic output of the entire globe in 2000. China's per capita income will hit $85,000, more than double the forecast for the European Union, and also much higher than that of India and Japan."

Wishful thinking?

The Chinese government is considering imposing a pro rata carbon tax on coal and fossil fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, and natural gas, Finance Ministry official Su Ming has told the country’s state-run media.

The Climate Group has launched a landmark program, China Redesign, which will help Chinese cities develop and implement low carbon growth strategies and meet the emissions reduction objectives of China's 12th Five Year Plan.

The China Redesign program will help Chinese cities build capacity to support the Chinese Government’s emissions reduction target.

China and India will be given free rein to increase greenhouse gas emissions - despite tough targets imposed on the West. Poorer countries are only being asked to curb 'future emissions'.

China's four leading airlines have thrown down the gauntlet to the EU by saying they will refuse to pay carbon charges levied under Europe's emissions trading scheme (between €2 and €12 per passenger).