Life of Guangzhou - UK Pedalling for China's Energy Conservation

Members of the UK Climate Change & Energy Team in Guangzhou

"The Climate Change & Energy Team of the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, south China, provided pedal power in support of the Guangdong Energy Conservation Week in July. This was part of a series of events organised by the Guangdong provincial government under a national China programme to increase public awareness of energy efficiency and conservation.

Guangdong is China's most populous and largest provincial economy, with a GDP higher than that of South Africa or Saudi Arabia, and CO² emissions higher than that of Italy. Tim Hanson, Head of the Climate Change Team said: "it was fun participating in the cycle-run but more importantly we were lending our support to encourage public action to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. If China is to successfully implement its national climate change programme it will be achieved by action in key provinces such as Guangdong."

Accounting for 8% of China's national energy consumption, Guangdong has been selected as one of China's low carbon pilot provinces and has plans to increase the use of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and develop 'green' technologies and services, including Carbon Capture and Storage. The UK is providing practical cooperation through a range of low carbon capacity building, policy reform and business engagement programmes.