kujebak
2006-07-18 02:42:30 UTC
In 2005 China burned 1.9 billion metric tons of coal (compared to the
current annual U.S. coal production of 1.13 billion metric tons),
mostly
in antiquated, highly polluting power plants built in the early years
of
the Chinese communist state. Based on the current growth rate of
the Chinese economy ( of 10% per year) it is projected that by 2020
the use of coal by China will grow to 2.9 billion tons per year. This
projected INCREASE in China's coal consumption over the next four-
teen years represents as much additional carbon dioxide released in-
to the atmosphere as 3 BILLION Ford Expeditions driven for 15 thou-
sand miles (the average distance driven by Americans each year).
As we all know, China is considered a "developing" country, and as
such it is specifically exempted from any of the provisions of the
Kyoto Protocol. Something to keep in mind for those contemplating
plunking a fat wad on one of those hybrid gizmos for any other
reason than possibly saving a few bucks on gas, and hoping they'll
come out even, if they keep their "environmentally friendly" vehicle
running for 20 to 30 years :-))
current annual U.S. coal production of 1.13 billion metric tons),
mostly
in antiquated, highly polluting power plants built in the early years
of
the Chinese communist state. Based on the current growth rate of
the Chinese economy ( of 10% per year) it is projected that by 2020
the use of coal by China will grow to 2.9 billion tons per year. This
projected INCREASE in China's coal consumption over the next four-
teen years represents as much additional carbon dioxide released in-
to the atmosphere as 3 BILLION Ford Expeditions driven for 15 thou-
sand miles (the average distance driven by Americans each year).
As we all know, China is considered a "developing" country, and as
such it is specifically exempted from any of the provisions of the
Kyoto Protocol. Something to keep in mind for those contemplating
plunking a fat wad on one of those hybrid gizmos for any other
reason than possibly saving a few bucks on gas, and hoping they'll
come out even, if they keep their "environmentally friendly" vehicle
running for 20 to 30 years :-))