From BBC News:
China set the targets in a bid to rein in the environmental costs of the country’s rapid economic growth. But only Beijing and five other provinces or municipalities improved efficiency by 4% and cut emissions by 2% in the first six months of 2006.
The new targets are part of the 2006-10 Five Year Plan, and call for energy consumption per unit of GDP to be cut by 20%, while pollution emissions should fall 10%. While figures for the second half of the year are not available, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Minister Ma Kai said in December “it is extremely hard to achieve this year’s goal”, according to the official China Daily.
“2006 has been the most grim year for China’s environmental situation,” vice-minister Pan Yue was quoted as saying on the Web site of the State Environmental Protection Administration (Sepa). [Full Text]
– Also Why China’s energy saving drive may be wasted by Asia Times Online
– China amending law as energy-saving goal risks failure by Xinhua
