China’s economic rise has transformed the global economy in a number of manufacturing industries. This paper investigates whether China’s transformative influence extends to the new green economy. Drawing on the debate about how China is driving major economic changes in the world – the ‘Asian drivers’ debate – it identifies five corridors of influence and investigates their relevance for the wind energy industries. Starting with the demand side, it suggests that the size and rapid growth of the Chinese market have a major influence on competitive parameters in the global wind power industry. While Western firms have found ways of participating in the growth of the Chinese market, the government's procurement regimes benefit Chinese firms. The latter have made big investments and learned fast, accumulating production capabilities that have led to changes in the global pecking order of lead firms. While the combined impact of Chinese market and production power is already visible, other influences are beginning to be felt – arising from China’s coordination, innovation and financing power.
This annual report presents an optimistic view of the carbon market, which grew by 11 per cent in 2011. The report shows that despite the financial crisis and the related oversupply of carbon credits within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) as a result of economic downturn, plummeting carbon prices and uncertainty about the post 2020 framework, financially motivated transactions continued to grow within the carbon market. However, it underscores that prices fell during 2011. The report indicates that although China remained the largest source of contracted certified emissions reductions (CERs), African countries emerged stronger in 2011 and accounted for 21 per cent of post-2012 CERs contracted during the year. This summary was prepared by Eldis.
Climate change is an unprecedented challenge facing humanity today, one that requires a quick and concerted response. With this context in mind, a rapid scale up in the deployment of renewable or sustainable energy sources is essential in order to reduce the emissions responsible for global warming. In this paper, Gary Hufbauer and Jisun Kim examine the conditions necessary for achieving a credible, low cost alternative to fossil fuel-based energy, placing an emphasis on how trade policy can be used to spur development in the sector, and the key issues that need to be addressed in order to accomplish a sustainable energy trade agreement (SETA). This publication is a joint effort by ICTSD, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGI) and the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE).
Lack of reliable access to electricity is a significant barrier to economic development and job creation in Tanzania. This ‘Inside story on climate compatible development’ by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) explores Tanzania’s Small Power Projects (SPP) programme.
This report outlines a range of systemic interrelated measures for a progressive transformation towards low-energy, low-carbon, highly resilient and ultimately climate neutral cities. Its recommendations fall under four main headings, with coordination through a well managed city-level framework being perhaps the most essential ingredient for success.
1) Waste management: Options and criteria for recycling, the production of biofuels and incineration.
2) Low-carbon mobility: Disincentives for using cars, along with the promotion of non-motorised and good public transport, and the introduction of alternative fuels infrastructure.
3) Urban energy infrastructure: Incentives to stimulate increased use of renewable energy, and promote energy-efficient technologies and intelligent electric grid systems for city facilities.
4) Urban form and green spaces: Techniques to reduce and prevent sprawl, while preserving and expanding green and open spaces, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Sustainable construction provides opportunities to address and alleviate several challenges and needs currently experienced in Gaza, including the increasing housing demand, limited availability of construction materials, insufficient energy and water provision, inadequate sanitation, as well as severe unemployment. The assessment analyses the feasibility, opportunities and challenges relating to sustainable construction in relation to the above mentioned needs and explores ways to promote green jobs.