Reacting to a study released today claiming China emitted more carbon-dioxide than the United States in 2006, Greenpeace UK director John Sauven said:
"Responsibility for China's soaring emissions lies not just in Beijing but also in Washington, Brussels and Tokyo. All we've done is export a great slice of the West's carbon footprint to China, and today we see the result. Let us not forget that the average Chinese emits just 3.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, whereas Britons emit nearly 10 tonnes and North Americans 20 tonnes."
He continued:
"The West moved its manufacturing base to China knowing it was vastly more polluting than Japan, Europe or the US. No environmental conditions were attached to this move, in fact the only thing manufacturers were interested in was the price of labour. This trend kept the price of our products down but at the cost of soaring greenhouse gas emissions. Long term this policy has been a climate disaster.
"We should export clean energy technology to China to increase low carbon and renewable energy take-up so the products we import have a smaller carbon footprint."
According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) China's 2006 carbon dioxide emissions surpassed those of the USA by eight percent. If accurate, it would be the first time China's emissions have surpassed those of America.
The MNP said the figures were based on its own preliminary estimates derived from recent energy and cement production data.
According to the MNP figures, China's emissions increased by nine percent in 2006 compared to its 2005 output.
For more, call Greenpeace on 0207 865 8255.
