China Set to become Biggest Polluter

China, one of the fastest growing economies of the world is all set to overtake U.S as the leading air polluter by as early as 2010; a whole decade faster than the previous estimates of 2020.

The International Energy Agency has concluded this based on extensive data studies, changing climatic conditions in the region etc. On the other hand the United Nations is holding a conference in Nairobi to find solutions to global warming and cutting the emission of greenhouse gases.

China has been growing at a spectacular rate, riding on strong infrastructural development and low cost manufacturing. The Power sector is undoubtedly under pressure to deliver. Coal, the main fuel used for power generation also accounts for the largest contribution in air pollution. The main reason behind China’s stress on energy production is to become self sufficient and reduce dependence on oil.

Power companies in China are now required to invest in larger coal fired plants rather than small plants, which generally require more coal per kilowatt power generated.

Being a “developing” country China can do without following the Kyoto Protocol directions. They don’t have to keep a tab on the amount of gases and other pollutants released.

“You cannot tell people who are struggling to earn enough to eat that they need to reduce their emissions,” said Lu Xuedu, the deputy director general of Chinese Office of Global Environmental Affairs, at a conference two weeks ago.

However, China does follow norms stricter than that of United States but less than the European Unions’.

The latest figures compiled by the United Nations show that emissions of greenhouses gases such as carbon dioxide from the world’s two biggest polluters, the US and China, are increasing rapidly. Emissions from other major economies like Japan, Canada, Australia, India and Brazil are also increasing, with Turkey registering a record rise of 73% after 1990.

If better use of non conventional energy resources is not taken up, then the global energy demand will rise by 53% by 2030 and oil consumption to 116 million barrels a day compared to 85 million barrels today. This will lead to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions by 55% according to the Agency’s estimates.

The Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012 and nations are working towards developing a better resolution. Presently even United States does not follow the protocol, saying that exempting developing countries like India and China will not help the cause.