Global warming policy, energy and the Chinese economy
Pressure is mounting to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels. A global problem of this magnitude requires a global solution, and therefore the cooperation of energy-intensive economies, whether industrialized or developing, is crucial. As the world`s largest producer and consumer of coal, China is an obvious candidate to take a lead role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, with a per capita income of less than $400, China is also one of the 25 poorest countries in the world. Some analysts suggest that curbing GHG emissions will be very costly. Thus, the question arises as to the equity, if not the feasibility, of having the Chinese initiate major mitigation measures. Other analysts suggest that efforts to cope with global warming open up a realm of opportunities to improve energy and overall economic efficiency simultaneously. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impacts of greenhouse gas mitigation policies on the growth of the Chinese economy over the next 30 years. Our focus is on the reduction of coal use and its implication for reducing CO{sub 2}, but we also examine the implications for other fossil fuels and renewable energy resources. Specifically, we examine partial and general equilibrium impacts of achieving a 20% reduction in year 2000 baseline CO{sub 2} emissions by the year 2025, according to a phased-in compliance schedule.
- Research Organization:
- International Association for Energy Economics, Cleveland, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 416348
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9507139-; TRN: 96:006517-0043
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 18. International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) international conference, Washington, DC (United States), 5-8 Jul 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Into the Twenty-First Century: Harmonizing energy policy, environment, and sustainable economic growth. Proceedings; PB: 528 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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