Green economy essential for safety

By Cai Wenjun  |   2008-11-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE city can benefit from developing a low-carbon economy, officials from Shanghai Science and Technology Commission told an international forum in the city yesterday.

A low-carbon economy minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by adopting environmentally friendly policies. Such emissions result in global warming, which has contributed to local sea levels rising 115 millimeters in the past 30 years.

The 3.83mm annual rise is much higher than the average global speed, which is 1.8mm a year.

The dramatic rise means a higher risk of storm damage, saltwater intrusion, sewage back-flow and the decreased function of sea-routes and ports.

"If the city doesn't take action, Shanghai could face very severe consequences from the rising sea level," said Lu Xiaochun, vice director of the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission. "A low-carbon economy is the effective solution to global warming and to protecting Shanghai and minimizing the risk."

Shanghai has kicked off research over the past 10 years to develop new power sources such as solar, wind and bio-energy, and begun to renovate its industrial structure, promote better energy consumption and use technologies to improve energy efficiency.

From 1992 to 2007, the percentage of Shanghai's economy based on manufacturing has fallen, while the service industry, which is less polluting, has grown.

Energy-efficiency drives and new technology have further reduced pollution. In 1992, it took 3.8 tons of standard coal to generate 10,000 yuan (US$1,464) within Shanghai's economy. Last year it took only 0.83 tons.

Shanghai's Lingang New City, which is due to be completed by 2020, and Chongming Eco-Island will be model regions for low carbon emissions in the city, officials said.