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As host of the first carbon-neutral Olympic Games next year, China faces steep challenges. The best scientific estimates now proclaim China to be the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, a title long-held by the United States.
Yet against this bleak backdrop, analysts are hopeful that China may be on the cusp of a dramatic new energy paradigm. Chinese leaders recently enacted new laws that, for the first time ever, set as the nation’s top priorities aggressive pursuit of efficient use of energy, water, resources and land. Add to that pollution prevention, waste reduction and rapid growth of renewable energy; China’s future is promising.
Because the economic incentives to embrace this approach are strongly linked with quality of life, more Chinese business and government leaders are advocating for new public policies, incentives and regulations enforcement to support it. CI is helping China safeguard its remarkable landscape in the face of phenomenal economic growth. China’s increasingly active civil society is also demanding cleaner air and water, and less industrial contamination.
To build on this momentum, CI and the China Environment Culture Promotion Association have launched an awareness campaign called “For Our Natural Splendor” leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. China has pledged to make the Games green.
As part of the campaign, visitors and residents can hear messages promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and responsible tourism in airports and railway stations across the country. The Olympic doll mascots, designed to celebrate China’s unique natural habitat, will also help spread the word about the virtues of conservation.
With the official Olympic relay set to cross through magnificent wilderness in the west, China’s true natural splendor will be on display for all to see.