Chinese-U.S. Study Outlines Steps to Cut Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas in Beijing
Washington - A team of U.S.-supported Chinese researchers have outlined
strategies to dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and local
air pollutants in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics and afterward.
With clean energy technologies and policies in Beijing the city could
reduce annual emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 22 percent in 2010,
the study found. Output of health-impairing particulate matter could
also be cut by up to 40 percent each year. The Beijing project is
part of a larger effort by EPA to work with China and other developing
countries to promote environmental sustainability.
"This landmark study shows the effectiveness of international cooperation
in promoting sustainable growth while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
and local air pollutants," EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and
Radiation Bill Wehrum said. "Our ongoing cooperation with national and
local governments in China proves that by working together, we can promote
ways to make a real difference in people's lives. We will soon be building
on and expanding these efforts through our new Asia Pacific Partnership
on Clean Development and Climate.''
The partnership, to be formally launched in January at a ministerial
conference in Sydney, Australia, will include China, Australia, Japan
and North Korea.
With support from EPA, a Chinese research team has completed an in-depth
analysis of co-benefits in support of the Beijing Olympic Air Quality
Action Plan. The study examined measures to improve air quality in
Beijing before the 2008 Summer Olympics. These measures include
expanded natural gas use, energy efficiency, and "green" transport,
which include cleaner fuels for taxis and expanded public transport.
If the analyzed measures are implemented, this rapidly-growing city of
nearly 14 million people will benefit from improved public health and
reduced growth in carbon dioxide emissions. The results of the study
will be disseminated to a wide range of senior policymakers in China.
The report, sponsored by EPA's Integrated Environmental Strategies (IES)
Program, was released during an international workshop in Beijing on
greenhouse gas and air pollution control policies.
The EPA's IES Program works with teams of researchers and policymakers
in developing countries to analyze and quantify the environmental,
public health, and economic co-benefits of policies that reduce
greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
For more information about the IES-Beijing Project and the just-released
study, "Energy Options and Health Benefit Beijing Case Study,"
visit
To learn more about the EPA's air and climate programs in China,
visit
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