China, Germany to Strengthen Cooperation on Environmental ProtectionExperts called for strengthened cooperation on environmental issues at the 2000 China-Germany Environmental Protection Conference held in Beijing December 12 and 13.Participants from the two countries regard the development of clean energy sources, energy-saving, water-saving, ecosystem administration, air and water pollution prevention and control, solid garbage treatment, marine environment protection and urban afforestation as future cooperation priorities. Official statistics show that China is suffering from serious pollution caused by the lack of a sound energy structure, with an energy utilization efficiency some 10 percent lower than that in developed countries. China's per capita totals of fresh water, arable land, forests and grassland are lagging far behind the world average. Although China has managed to considerably decrease emissions of major pollutants like sulfur dioxide and industrial dust in the past several years, big challenges still lurk ahead in the forthcoming five years to reduce the total pollutant emissions. German experts said that many high-efficiency energy technologies, such as environmental-friendly electricity generating techniques and low fuel-consuming motors have been adopted in Germany to solve relevant environmental problems. Regenerative energy sources now account for 6 percent of Germany's energy structure. Besides, Germany's well-established environmental protection measures, such as water pricing system, sewage treatment and transportation control, may also be applicable in China. |
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