Chinese cities need to clean up their act, says World Bank

If China is to hit its environmental targets it has to improve the way its cities deal with emissions. That’s the word from the World Bank, which is recommending the […]

If China is to hit its environmental targets it has to improve the way its cities deal with emissions. That’s the word from the World Bank, which is recommending the nation changes the way it designs and builds urban areas.

According to a new report from the organisation, 70% of energy-related greenhouse gases come from China’s cities. With an estimated 350 million people expected to move into its cities over the next 20 years, the World Bank says the case for urgent action is strong.

The report recommends including climate change policies in city planning, investment decisions, and emergency-preparedness plans as “addressing cities’ emissions is crucial.”

Klaus Rohland, the World Bank’s Country Director for China said: “The report provides a framework for actions that Chinese cities could and are already taking to promote both economic development and low-carbon growth.”

The report claims industry and power generation produce around 40% of city emissions each, with the remaining 20% contributed by transport, buildings, and waste.

Shomik Mehindratta, an Urban Transport Specialist at the World Bank said policy had to transcend the hierarchies of Government: “The central government has set clear targets to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy, but a few key complementary actions – on the land and municipal finance agenda, on facilitating coordination across different governmental entities – could help to empower city governments to effectively implement low-carbon action plans.”

Latest Podcast