It's Everyone Else's Fault

Once again, China is playing the blame game. This time it's all about the environment.

Rather than practicing what it preaches, the Chinese government is demanding "rich nations" to cut greenhouse emissions by 40% by 2020. Not included in the list of nations: China. This is because China is still a "developing country." (Independent space program, nuclear power, technologically advanced mass transportation network, most Internet users in world, but not a developed country.) China also says "rich nations" must also invest more money in green technology (which will probably be produced in China).

Meanwhile, China has missed its 4% annual cuts in emissions that it promised since 2006.

Fueling Change

Thursday, Beijing announced a 17% rise in fuel costs for private cars (12 cents per liter), 18% increase for diesel, and 25% increase for jet fuel. There will also be an increase in electricity prices. Most people were expecting that the cheap gas (approx. $2.50/gallon) would last until after the Olympics. Beijing decided that the price increase would take effect midnight Friday, which caused long lines at gas stations across the country of drivers trying to save money. The government will also offer subsidies to some industries affected by the new policy (i.e. taxis, buses, grain producers).

This is certainly a good move by the Chinese government. Gas prices are extremely cheap here. The people who own cars tend to be the wealthy elite of the country who could afford an increase in costs. With any luck, this price hike will change some driving habits. If those habits change, the air quality in and around Beijing may improve slightly prior to the opening of the Olympics. This will also help ease the strain on supply here in Shenzhen as many Hong Kong drivers have been crossing the border to the Mainland to fill up on cheap gas.

This move comes on the heels of the plastic bag ban from June 1. If these policies hold, China will be making great strides toward improving the environment. The international community will have to wait and see what further moves Beijing makes for benefit of everyone.

However, not everyone is pleased with this decision. Many Chinese citizens believe that this move by the government will seriously harm many industries, thus destroying the national economy. Personally, I have seen a lot of waste in business (i.e. opening windows and doors with air conditioning running on high) , and believe that this should change many habits that will improve business in China.

Baggin' the Environment

China has officially entered the world of forceful environmental protection. As of June 1, the government mandated that all stores must charge customers for the use of plastic bags and that said plastic bags must adhere to strict quality requirements. Supposedly, there will be checks on shops to ensure that they are charging a minimal fee (anywhere from 1 to 5 jiao, depending on size).

This is the first effort China has made to curb its use of an estimated 3 billion plastic bags a day--that number is taken from the Chinese news, not Western news sources. This is certainly music to the ears of environmentalists and tree-huggers worldwide.

There are, however, some minor negative effects to this plan. The first being the cost to the poor. Reusable bags at the major stores range in price from 3 RMB to 30 RMB (Jusco is far too expensive sometimes). Still, the cost isn't a huge burden to the poor of the country who will probably find some way to cope. The second problem is that many plastic bag manufacturers have had to adapt to new regulations or close their doors, costing jobs (usually a side effect of any environmental legislation). Finally, there's the loss of free garbage bags. Most people here reuse the larger plastic bags for use as trash bags. Now, we'll have to go out and purchase trash bags when the supply at home runs out.

Next, I'd like to see China tackle the abundant use of styrofoam and excessive packaging of products in multiple wrappers.

Didn't Change for an Hour

Apparently last night was Earth Hour (Yahoo article). The concept is to show that you care about the environment by shutting off the electricity for at least an hour. In the grand scheme of things this doesn't do a whole lot, but it's a nice thought.

However, last night in Shenzhen was just another night. The florescent and neon lights of the city of 15 million or so were still bright. No one took notice. I can say that I probably helped save a little energy by not being home for most of the night (about five hours outside) while out to an extended dinner with friends. We're also doing our part by resisting the temptation to turn on the air conditioner until the temperature hits "unbearable." We figure it'll probably get that hot in a few more weeks.
There was also no mention of China's participation in this global environmental event. No word from Beijing, Shanghai, or even Hong Kong. I must say, I am surprised that Hong Kong didn't take part, but I can't find any confirmation.

Clear the Air

The air has cleared up slightly today. But it's still pretty bad. I think I need to take another vacation to northern Sichuan for some clean air. Look how nice it is in those mountains. Plus, I could ride a yak.

Hazy Thursday

This certainly goes along with yesterday's post about the weather. I woke up today and had a look out the window--I couldn't see the buildings that are a little more than half a mile away. I walked outside to catch the school bus and stared directly at the sun. The sun was rather dull in the morning. Then, when I got to class, I glanced out the window. I usually see hills and mountains outside. I could see the first hill that is right outside, but couldn't see the huge mountain that's not far behind it. My throat is burning today and I'm having a little trouble breathing. I was thinking of exercising, but that would increase my rate of inhaling all the pathogenic particles in the air.

This is definitely the worst day I've seen in Shenzhen. I saw a couple really bad hazy days in Beijing, and I think this one ranks up there--possibly surpassing those days. If it still looks this bad tomorrow, I'll take a picture to post here.