Superpowers and the environent Flashcards
China’s environmental impacts
Despite aaccounting for 19% of the World’s population, China accounts for over 50% of global coal consumption. It is also the largest importer and producer of iron ore (used to make steel. In 2014 it mined 1.5 bn tonnes and importer 0.93 bn tonnes.
Why do superpowers and emerging powers have huge environmental impacts?
Maintaining a large population and military machine produces a hug carbon footprint. As powers continue to develop living standards increase so demand for food, water, energy and minerals increases.
Why are there differences in willingness to act to reduce carbon emissions and environmental footprint?
Some countries prioritise their own economic development over environmental sustainability. Countries may argue that Western powers such as the UK and Us have developed due to industrialisation at huge economic costs - it would be hypocritical for them not to be allowed to do the same. However if every country follows the same path of development as countries like the US and UK the environmental impacts will be incredibly severe.
How does China plan to “win the future of energy”?
China consumes roughly 25% of the world’s energy supply. Its energy consumption has tripled since 2000. Xi Xing Ping has announced plans to make China carbon neutral by 2060 - stating that its emissions will peak in this decade and then begin to decrease by generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources.
By 2030, China plans to generate 1.2TW from solar and wind energy.
The growing middle class
It is estimated that the number of people in the middle class will increase from 2bn today to 5bn in 2030. China had 150 million middle-class citizens in 2016. This increased to 500 million in 2020 and is expected to reach 1 billion in 2030.
2030 the average Chinese consumer has a similar income to a consumer in the US,
there will be 1 bn cars on its roads by 2030 - more than the 947 million in the world in 2015
China will consume 1.35bn tonnes of cereals in 2030 - roughly 2/3 of global production in 2015
China will consume roughly 180 million tonnes of meat per year 9roughly 80% of global consumption in 2015)
China’s coal consumption will exceed the global consumption in 2015
This puts pressure on food water (making India’s water security likely critical by 2030 as 60% of areas ar in water insecurity) and energy ( in 2015, global oil demand was roughly 95 million barrels per day likey to increase by up to 30% by 2030)
