分类： environment

A landmark 20-day seminar on bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic has concluded in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in China-Brazil bilateral cooperation in the forestry and grassland sector. Organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the event brought together 25 Brazilian government officials and experts for an intensive exchange of knowledge and technical expertise. The seminar underscored the shared commitment of both nations to advancing green development and fostering sustainable practices. Luiz Keppe, representative of the Brazilian embassy in China, lauded the initiative as a testament to the deepening ecological collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the dual benefits of technical exchange and strengthened mutual trust, expressing hope for future collaborations. The Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative, launched in 2022 by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization in partnership with the Chinese government, aligns with China’s vision of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets.’ Brazil, a member of INBAR and a pilot country for related projects, is poised to leverage its abundant bamboo resources to enhance regional capacities. This seminar is part of China’s broader commitment to international training programs, with 176 initiatives conducted during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, benefiting nearly 9,000 participants worldwide. The event not only strengthens China-Brazil ties but also sets the stage for a new ‘Golden 50 Years’ of bilateral cooperation.

China has solidified its commitment to achieving carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, positioning itself as a global leader in climate action. The country has implemented a robust ‘1+N’ policy framework, which includes a top-level design and sector-specific action plans to guide its green transition. This framework emphasizes the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies, while also addressing key sectors such as industry, transport, and urban development. China has made significant strides in renewable energy, boasting the world’s largest installed capacity of wind and solar power, and leading in the adoption of new energy vehicles. The nation has also prioritized international cooperation, actively participating in global climate governance and supporting the Paris Agreement. Through these efforts, China aims to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also contribute to global sustainability and the fight against climate change.

India’s ambitious ethanol blending program, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and cutting oil imports, has achieved significant milestones but also faces practical challenges. The government recently announced the successful implementation of a 20% ethanol blend with gasoline, five years ahead of schedule. This initiative, part of the global Belem 4x effort, aligns India with countries like Brazil, Japan, and Italy in promoting biofuels and low-emission hydrogen-based fuels. However, the rapid shift to ethanol has raised concerns among consumers, farmers, and environmental experts. While the government claims ethanol blending has reduced carbon emissions by 74 billion kilograms and saved $12 billion in oil imports over the past decade, car owners report decreased mileage and engine issues, particularly in older vehicles. Farmers, meanwhile, seek clarity on crop procurement for ethanol production, as shifts in government policies have led to price volatility for crops like corn and sugarcane. Environmentalists caution that increased grain cultivation for ethanol could displace food crops and generate more greenhouse gases than it saves. Experts suggest a balanced approach, advocating for a 10% ethanol blend to minimize environmental impact while addressing consumer and agricultural concerns. The debate underscores the complexities of transitioning to sustainable fuels and the need for policies that balance environmental goals with economic and social realities.

As the United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) kicks off in Brazil, China’s updated climate commitments have come under scrutiny. The world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases recently unveiled its 2035 climate goals, detailing plans to reduce emissions by 7% to 10%. While this marks the first time China has set a specific emissions reduction target, experts argue it falls short of the 30% cut needed to align with the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. China’s role is pivotal, not only as the top emitter but also as a global leader in green technologies like solar, wind, and electric vehicles. The nation’s goals include raising non-fossil fuel energy consumption to 30%, achieving 3,600 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity, and mainstreaming electric vehicles. However, the absence of specific targets for coal power capacity raises concerns, as coal remains a cornerstone of China’s energy strategy. Despite these challenges, China has a history of surpassing its climate targets, such as exceeding its renewable energy goals six years ahead of schedule. Whether its latest commitments will suffice to combat global warming remains a critical question as the world watches COP30 unfold.

In the heart of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, the International Mangrove Center has become a beacon of global collaboration in mangrove conservation. Established just a year ago, the center has successfully united 20 member countries in a shared mission to protect one of the planet’s most vital yet vulnerable ecosystems. Mangroves, which thrive along tropical and subtropical coastlines, serve as natural defenses against storms, purify seawater, sequester carbon, and support diverse marine life. China stands out as one of the few nations to achieve a net increase in mangrove coverage, thanks to extensive restoration initiatives and robust wetland protection legislation. The center’s efforts underscore the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding these critical habitats for future generations.

China is accelerating its efforts to control emissions of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, as part of its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Xia Yingxian, director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s department of climate change, highlighted that this marks the first time China’s NDCs explicitly include non-CO2 gases in its total emission control framework. Recent years have seen steady progress in reducing these emissions through targeted policies. In late 2023, the ministry issued an action plan for methane emission control, leading to advancements in energy, agriculture, and waste treatment sectors. Improvements include better utilization of coal mine gas, progress in livestock manure recycling, and enhanced control of methane emissions from rice paddies. China has also shared its methane control achievements at global platforms like the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the 2024 Global Methane Forum. Additionally, an action plan for nitrous oxide emissions in the industrial sector was released in August, aiming to guide future control efforts and accelerate the transition to greener industries. The ministry is leveraging the voluntary greenhouse gas emissions trading market to encourage companies to reduce non-CO2 emissions, with six methodologies related to these gases set to be issued by the end of 2025. Xia emphasized that China will further strengthen the implementation of these plans and expand cross-sector cooperation to contribute to global climate action.

A groundbreaking study reveals that deforestation in Southeast Asia is causing significantly more heat-related deaths compared to other tropical regions, despite losing a smaller total area of forest. Published in *Nature Climate Change*, the research highlights that between 2001 and 2020, Southeast Asia lost approximately 490,000 square kilometers of vegetation, while tropical Central and South America lost around 760,000 square kilometers. However, the higher population density in Southeast Asia has resulted in an annual death toll of 15,680 rural residents due to heat-related complications, far exceeding the 9,890 deaths in Africa and 2,520 in the Americas. The study, led by Carly Reddington from the University of Leeds, attributes this disparity to the combined effects of deforestation and climate change, which have increased regional temperatures by 0.72 degrees Celsius over two decades. Forests play a critical role in cooling the environment by providing shade and releasing water vapor, akin to human sweating. When trees are removed, the loss of these cooling mechanisms leads to localized warming, sometimes surpassing the effects of global climate change. The research underscores the vulnerability of rural and indigenous communities, who often reside near deforested areas and lack access to resources to mitigate heat risks. Reddington emphasizes the urgent need for tropical nations to strengthen forest protection laws, invest in reforestation, and implement heat management solutions, such as shaded workspaces and improved healthcare access. The study also calls for climate finance to prioritize forest conservation and health resilience in tropical regions, where risks are greatest and resources are limited. Experts like Kimberly Fornace from the National University of Singapore and Winston Chow from Singapore Management University stress the importance of localized studies and public awareness to address the growing threat of heat-related mortality.