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Air pollution 'will be tackled' by 2008
By Cao Desheng (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-07 05:32
The European Union's environment chief yesterday expressed confidence that
government measures would effectively tackle Beijing's chronic air pollution in
time for the Olympics in 2008.
Smog shrouds
Beijing November 4, 2005 as the city reported serious air pollution for
three consecutive days. The city is taking measures to improve the air
quality. [newsphoto] | "I'm sure the atmosphere will be cleaner and the environment will become
better in Beijing and even the whole country as the Chinese Government is
working out measures to protect the environment, including by developing
renewable energy," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas in Beijing.
Dimas was speaking at a news conference ahead of a two-day international
renewable energy conference, due to open today, jointly organized by the Chinese
government and the EU.
"The emerging economy wants to play a leading role in creating the conditions
for renewables to thrive," Dimas said.
As a follow-up to the World Sustainable Development Summit in Johannesburg in
2002 and the International Conference on Renewable Energy in June last year, the
conference will serve as a forum for representatives of 80 countries and the EU,
including numerous ministers.
Participants will also discuss options for increasing renewables' share of
the worldwide energy market.
"Developing renewable energy is of greater importance given the price of
crude oil on the international market has doubled since last year," Dimas said.
The increased use of renewables helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air
pollution, which have an impact on both the environment and economic
development, he added, before emphasizing that energy efficiency was equally
important.
"I would like to stress that the Chinese Government has been aware of the
significance of climate change and has collaborated with the EU and others to
solve the issue that the globe is facing," Dimas said.
"China has been endeavouring to develop wind power
generation," he said, "more and more other renewable energy will be frequently
used in the future."
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