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China Powers Ahead on Renewable Energy
WASHINGTON - China is well on its way to acquiring fully 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2020, while the United States is dragging its feet on transitioning away from fossil fuels, according to a pair of reports released here this week.
Nations across the globe invested over $50 billion collectively into renewable energy conversion last year, and in 2007 China alone is expected to account for some $10 billion of investment, explains "Powering China's Development: The Role of Renewable Energy," released Wednesday by the Worldwatch Institute, an independent Washington, DC research group.
With this large financial commitment, China looks poised to pass solar and wind energy leaders in Europe and North America and become a leader in renewables manufacturing, the report notes, adding that, at this pace, China will draw 30 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2050.
"The future of the global climate may rest in large measure on China's ability to lead the world into the age of renewable energy, much as the United States led the world into the age of oil roughly a century ago," said Worldwatch President Christopher Flavin.
Renewable energy continues to be marginalized in many national energy plans despite its numerous benefits, say environmental and geopolitical experts. The environmental benefits are well-known, but also important, they say, is that renewable energy sources -- unlike traditional fossil fuels -- will never run out.
While the Chinese government advances closer towards its renewable energy goals, the United States appears to be lagging. The U.S. Congress recently discussed dropping several key provisions from the energy legislation it is considering.
The terms in question would mandate a 35-mile-per-gallon (mpg) fuel efficiency standard for the U.S. fleet of cars and light trucks; an expansion of renewable energy tax incentives; and a 15-percent share of the nation's energy to come from renewable sources by the year 2020.
But the United States had already set its goals low, and by dropping these provisions it will fall farther behind the rest of the world, said the Sustainable Energy Network, an umbrella group of over 500 organizations, businesses, and individuals that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency.
In response to Congress' threat to drop the provisions, 100 of the group's members, including Public Citizen's Energy Program and the Redwood Alliance, sent a letter Wednesday urging lawmakers against this action. The letter declared that the goals to be dropped are actually less than "what has been technically and economically achievable for many years."
Although a target fuel efficiency standard of 35 mpg is "a significant improvement," the groups said, with hybrid technology the United States is easily capable of reaching 55 mpg, and with fuel cell technology could possibly go as high as 80 mpg in the future.
The same can be said of the tax incentive and energy share provisions of the bill, according to the groups. The goal of a 15 percent renewable energy share by 2020 pales in comparison to Germany's plan to source 45 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Many U.S. states, including California, Minnesota, Hawaii, and Colorado, have set goals of 20 percent renewable energy shares by 2020 or earlier. If these states can make these ambitious targets, then the nation should at least aim for similar goals, say the letter's signers.
If the United States does not wish to fall behind in global efforts to convert to cleaner and safer renewable energy, then it must move forward -- not backward -- on the legislative front, the groups warned.
© 2007 One World.net
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Show AllBizarre. As the US heads over the cliff, Pelosi says "follow me!"
.. a script to use when you call the Hill goes like this:
'Hi Senator Pelosi? Um, 90% of America, would like more renewable energy and you are ignoring them? So you're either crazy or you are possessed by the devil. Which one is it? I hope you're possessed by the devil because insanity takes years of therapy to cure and we are running out of time but all you need to get rid of Satan is a flask of holy water and a sober village priest. So, get your exorcism on sister and get the 8-year extension for the solar investment tax credits in the energy bill. Do it, do it now. Thank you very much.'
You can use the same script for Reid, only don't call him "sister."
Pelosi's offices number is 202- 225-4965
Reid's office's number is 202-224-3542
Of course, it will take a few million people to weigh in against a single corporate lobbyist, but it is cathartic.
And you can continue on many other issues as well .... cheaper than a therapist.
You know, China could put hemp to action. Why don't they use what they invented? It's not as if China is shackled by a ban on Cannibas unlike the US !
So, China is leading the way to renewable energy? And here I though we (US) were #1 -- in everything. Apparently the writing on the wall is written in Chinese, and they can clearly read it. We, on the other hand, refuse to remove our heads from the sand, and continue on our policy of stealing oil wherever we can.
Renewable energy is for wimpy nations who don't have the military power to invade oil-rich regions of the world and grab what they can. What is the US to do with its multi-trillion dollar military machine if not to force other countries to bend to its will.
It brings to mind those SUVs with the American flag stuck to the bumper, as if the driver wants to say - "I'm the proud citizen of the greatest military superpower the world has ever known, and I can waste as much gas as I want. After all, our military will guarantee an unending supply of the stuff."
Oh no, they shouldn't do this! They should study the total impact and cost and deliberate and consult and form blue ribbon commissions to determine the cost/benefit ratio and then, and only then, consider the possibility of investing in alternative energies.
This message brought to you by Megaoilautohighwayfossil, Inc.
(Time to screw our courage to the sticking place and stop acting like such pathetic sheep.)
This gas milage crap is just that. For example, a new mid-sized cheepo KIA is advertised to get 31 MPG. Hell, I had a 93 Bonniville with all of the toys that got 29MPG. The oil barons don't want vehicles to have decent gas milage. They also pressured Detroit to kill the very good electic cars.
Of course we Americans are at falut too. When the National speed limit was reduced to 55 mph, we cried our eyes out and now in most states 70 to 75 MPH is the average speed limit and if you do 70 you'll be tailgated or passed by almost everyone else. Where it's 55 in metro areas, you're a road hazard at 65. The average vehicle on the road has one occupant and most are SUVs or pickups with dual exhausts. The price of a gallon of gas has again topped three bucks a gallon and rising daily and very few are slowing down to conserve fuel. We are one crazy bunch of people, who have elected greedy crooks to high office. By and large, we are getting exactly what we deserve.
www.theaircar.com
I have the perverse notion that increased fuel efficiency will only lead to more vehicular use - people will drive to the limit of their ability and probably beyond.
Additionally, China, India and other developing nations will be putting enough vehicles on their roads to negate any possible fuel consumption efficiency that may be developed.
Fraid you are correct