China - energy

• Causes of unsustainable energy

  1. The rise in car ownership means heavy traffic congestion
  2. China contributes 29% to global carbon emissions (more than any other country)
  3. Has seven out of ten of the world’s most polluted cities
  4. China burns more coal than USA, Europe and Japan combined
• social effects of unsustainable energy

  1. Air pollution can cause lung disease
  2. Cardiovascular disease, as well as cancer and birth defects
• Economic effects of unsustainable energy

  1. The government is trying to reduce coal consumption by closing polluting mills, factories and smelters
  2. Switching to other eco-friendly energy sources
• Environmental effects

  1. Coal contains high levels of ash and sulphur that when burned cause high levels of pollution
• Responses to unsustainable energy use in china: The Three Gorges Dam

  1. Generates 98.8 billion kilowatt hours, equivalent of 49 million tonnes of coal
  2. Preventing 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions
  3. Cost US$30 million although it should pay for itself in 10 years
  4. Construction forced 1.4 million people to be relocated from homes
  5. Flooded 632km2 of habitat
• Responses to unsustainable energy use Gobi desert - Solar power

  1. China has become one of the world leaders in generating solar energy
  2. It is currently building a giant solar power station in Gobi desert which could potentially produce enough energy to supply 1 million homes
  3. It will cover 10 square miles and generate 200MW of solar energy