Low Carbon-Emissions
低碳(dītàn)
Related buzz words:
Restriction on power usage to meet local energy saving targets

"低", di, is low; "碳", tan, refers to carbon. "低碳" is used to describe the Chinese government's effort to promote green energy and related sectors. But it also refers to an emerging lifestyle in China which is simple, environmental friendly and energy-saving.

The central government has included "low carbon-emissions" targets in its five-year plans and set detailed requirements for its local subsidiaries in order to protect the domestic environment as well as to meet international carbon emission reduction targets. As 2010 is the last year of its 11th Five-Year Plan, many local governments that have failed to meet the central government’s targets on energy-saving and carbon-emission reduction chose to cut the power supply of local steel companies, forcing the latter to generate power through the use of diesel generators and thus giving birth to a severe shortage of diesel oil in November.

It has been reported that the 12th Five-Year Plan also contains goals to reduce carbon emissions, though no policy details have been released.

Aside from being a political target, living with low carbon-emissions has become a popular lifestyle in today’s China. More and more people, especially young Chinese, are paying more attention to turning off lights, separating trash for recycling and walking or riding a bicycle instead of taking the bus or a taxi.

Related links:

Ministry of Environmental Protection Takes Tougher Position on Emission Reduction