北京周刊(2007年第46期)

Cover Story China's rapid economic development has made the country a heavy polluter, second only in carbon dioxide emissions to the United States. From 1990 to 2001, the net increase in China's carbon dioxide emissions stood at 823 million tons, accounting for 27 percent of the world's total increment. But the world's most populous country is taking measures to lessen the damage its development has on the environment. In 2002, China ratified the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement designed to tackle global warming. Although developing countries were not included in any numerical limitations of the protocol, China still has taken action to reduce atmospheric pollution. The Chinese Government has invested 1 trillion yuan($134 million)in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the last 15 years. Recently it amended the Law on Conserving Energy to better protect the environment. The government is also promoting energy preservation technology, encouraging efficient energy use and pushing the huge state-owned enterprises to lead the way. China's measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions are expected to lead to a reduction of nearly 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year by 2010.