With the coming of 2010 and the new decade, China’s 11th five year plan (2006-2010) is drawing to a close. As Chinese officials begin to lay the ground work for the 12th five year plan, it is becoming apparent that protecting the environment is a top priority.
It seems that this new five plan aims to shift China into a more efficient, low emission, high growth economy. Experts say that the plan will attempt to reduce carbon emissions by up to 45% per unit of GDP by the year 2020 compared to 2006 levels
The plan will also endeavor to increase the total share of non fossil fuel based energy by 15% by the year 2020. It also aims to reverse the process of deforestation by increasing the total forest coverage by 40 hectares and increasing the total forest stock volume by 1.3billion cubic meters.
The plan will also set specific targets for different economic regions of China and thus will be capable of setting realistic goals instead of broad unattainable targets. In addition the plan will become domestic law and thus firms will be legally required to meet the reduction targets.
This move to reduce carbon emissions and protect china’s already fragile environment will undoubtedly have significant economic repercussions as energy intensive industries scramble to find ways to reduce their impact. However some experts estimate that environmental degradation currently costs the Chinese economy up to 8% of its GDP. While this move may force firms make painful modifications, it is undoubtedly beneficial, and necessary for China’s long term growth.
Perhaps more importantly this move indicates that China recognizes and is actively working to ameliorate its environmental problem. Furthermore it shows that China is picking up the mantle of one of the worlds largest economies and is dedicated not only to economic growth but doing it in a more responsible and sustainable manner.