Green city, green economy

China's urban population reached 620 million people in 2009, according to the latest Climate Group report on China's low-carbon development. As it grows, it is also consuming more energy and resources per person.

"Cities in China currently consume three-quarters of the country's energy – a proportion that is set to rise to 83 percent by 2030," the report said. It is estimated that there will be 350 to 600 million more urban residents by 2050, challenging the whole capacity and ability of cities.

"Over-fast urbanization will bring more pressure to people's life and the environment," Stern said.

He points out that the traffic jams have been the main problem of major cities in China.

"China now has too many private cars," Stern said. "The government cannot only rely on building new roads – a smart traffic system is the key way."

China used to be the "Kingdom of Bicycles," so Stern said he hoped urban residents will choose the new electric bikes to achieve low carbon transportation.

Stern praised the Shanghai World Expo, which ran from May to October this year. "‘Better City, Better Life' is what we all want," Stern said. "Eco-friendly development and utilization of local resources will lead the course of new urban model in the future."

China has tried to encourage local governments to turn their cities into low carbon cities. Although many cities in China have been establishing low-carbon economic zones or renewable energy economy zones, the concept of a green city is still new, and few people have a clear idea of what to do.

"The low-carbon city is not easy, and it is a need for long-term, ongoing process of change," Stern said.

He proposed that to build a low-carbon city, local authorities should consider their existing characteristics as well as learn from other developed municipalities such as London, Tokyo and New York.

He also suggested support for capacity building on energy efficiency and renewable energy and promoting technology transfer and cooperation between China and developed countries.

(China.org.cn December 11, 2010)