Statement by Mr. Zhang Xinsheng, Secretary-General of the Eco-Forum Guiyang

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Distinguished participants,

It gives me particular pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you on the occasion of this UNESCO Future Forum in Guiyang. It is truly a happy coincident that it takes place on the eve of the launch of the new Eco-Forum Guiyang (EFG), thereby creating a solid linkage between the international discussion and initiatives pertaining to the green economy and China’s own national endeavours in this field. I am delighted that under the leadership of my friend, Hans d’Orville, UNESCO has been able to bring to Guiyang a group of outstanding experts, who represent cutting-edge knowledge.

The multiple crises of 2008 — climate change, financial and economic crisis, food crisis, oil crisis — require a fundamental re-think of how a globalised world should operate. Most of the world’s current crises are related to increasingly unsustainable production and consumption patterns. Climate change in particular, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is a defining challenge of our time and poses a clear danger to global sustainability – which cannot be tackled by one nation alone and in isolation. Moving to a low-carbon economy – or in short a “green economy” – requires a global response and effort. Every nation, every city and every community must contribute in going green as the Green and growth can go hand in hand.

The financial crisis poses a number of risks worldwide, not least the lack of sufficient investment funds to sustain economic growth. But it also offers rare opportunities that once new funds are provided entire indusrtries can be reconfigured through green investments. To this end, we must have a politiical commitment and consensus of policymakers at all levels. There are synergies between green growth initiatives and the hoped-for recovery from the economic and financial crisis. In the wake of the financial crisis, fiscal stimulus packages in many countries are increasingly investing in measures bringing about the creation of green jobs and low-carbon, energy efficient and thus sustainable growth. The economic and financial crisis is thus a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the existing infrastructure to a more climate- and environment-friendly mix.

Green investments stand a better chance to bring about recovery and sustainable growth, save and create jobs, improve the quality of existing jobs, and reduce poverty while alleviating the most acute environmental problems. True, some sectors might benefit immediately, some others may have to make some sacrifices for the larger good. Green jobs can provide decent work and incomes that will contribute to sustainable economic growth and help lift people out of poverty.

To move from a “brown” to a “green” economy, every person or group will need to change their mindsets – be it at the workplace, in school or in a particular community. Working together, this can be achieved. In many respects, ethics plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and our planet. It even begins with our habits to produce and discharge of garbage. Everybody can do his or her bit and contribute. This can then be deepened through education and the media.

But a green economy is unlikely to emerge unless it incorporates knowledge. It is simply not possible to progress simultaneously towards economic growth, social development and the protection of the environment without reliance on knowledge resources, scientific research, technical expertise and for that matter - education for sustainable development (ESD), as Mr. d’Orville just outlined in his introductory remarks.

Let me share with you quickly some trends in my country. China is starting to change how it generates energy. Although coal will remain the biggest energy source, the rise of renewable energy, especially wind power, is helping to slow the growth in emissions of greenhouse gases. In 2009, China will pass the United States as the world’s largest market for wind turbines — after doubling wind power capacity in each of the last four years. State-owned power companies are competing to see which can build solar plants fastest, though these projects are much smaller than the wind projects. And other green energy projects, like burning farm waste to generate electricity, are sprouting up. HSBC predicts that China will invest more money in renewable energy and nuclear power between now and 2020 than in coal-fired and oil-fired electricity.

Here are some highlights about the dynamics of the Chinese engagement for a green economy and green jobs:

• Cutting energy intensity 20 per cent between 2005 and 2010, saving five times as much C02 as the EU’s goals.
• US$ 12 billion Investment in clean energy (wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass) in 2007; and setting one of the world’s most progressive renewable energy standards: 10 per cent of national energy from renewables by 2010 and 15 per cent by 2020..
• Green credit policy: since 2007 banks shall not give loans to energy-intensive, polluting industries and recall loans when companies are found to be in violation of environmental regulations.
• Targeting new buildings in major cities to achieve 65 per cent greater energy efficiency than local codes actually require.
• Investing more than 200 billion RMB in 1550 sewage treatment factories by 2008, which handle 86 million tons of wastewater per day.
• Government provides subsidies for buyers of electric cars to the tune of 60,000 yuan or US$ 8,800.
• The country is already a leading manufacturer of solar photo-voltaic technology. It is also taking a lead in production of solar water heaters, energy efficient home appliances, and rechargeable batteries(1).

This provides you with a quick impression of the enormous efforts already undertaken by the Chinese Government, the Chinese private and public sector and the Chinese people. We are committed to a green future and the creation of green jobs in a multitude of manners. Learning from other countries will be of critical importance. Thus, I am particularly delighted to welcome the panelists today, many of which come from Asia and thereby also underline the relevance of South-South cooperation in this global game. I look forward with great interest to your presentations and to the discussion, which will have no doubt a considerable impact on the deliberation of EFG tomorrow and on Sunday. Let us not forget – combating climate change and building a green society is a task which transcends every individual country, no matter how big it may be – but at the same time, it requires a contribution and commitment by every individual. We must strive for collaborative action beyond the limits of national borders. Without international cooperation our success may be not ensured and the impact too limited.

I thank you for your attention and wish you an inspiring meeting and conversation.

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(1):“Assessing China’s Low-Carbon Dragon” in Green Inc. Blog, New York Times, accessed on 3 June 2009