PAGE CHINA NEWS FOR THE GREEN JOBS WORKING GROUP - MARCH 2022
LEARNING AND SHARING OPPORTUNITIES
The International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) provides capacity development to public, private and non-governmental stakeholders worldwide to make the connection between green jobs and economic, social, and environmental development goals. This is part of the global efforts to move towards a greener, socially inclusive economy, fostering happiness and well-being for all.
This year, the ITCILO offers various courses within its green jobs portfolio that might be of interest to you and your partners. All the courses will be delivered fully online. We invite you to have a look at our Green Jobs Learning Portfolio 2022 and get in touch if you would like to participate or learn more about the different trainings.
WHAT WE'RE READING
China
China aims to build complete hydrogen energy industry development system by 2035
2022-03-26 Source: People’s Daily
According to a development plan for the hydrogen energy industry released by Chinese authorities on March 23, China will build a complete hydrogen energy industry development system by 2035, when hydrogen produced from renewable energy will witness a significant increase in its proportion in final energy consumption and play an important role in underpinning the country’s green energy transition.
China charts path to a green future
2022-03-08 Source: China Daily
According to the Government Work Report, delivered at the opening of this year's session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, the government has pledged to take well-ordered steps to achieve peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. They include making coal use cleaner and more efficient, while reducing the use of the fuel and replacing it with alternative energy sources in an orderly fashion.
The report said the country will work to upgrade coal-fired power plants to conserve resources, advance the planning and construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic power bases, and promote the research, development and application of green and low-carbon technology. It will also encourage the steel, nonferrous metals, petrochemicals, chemicals and building materials industries to improve energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, greater efforts will be made to stop the blind development of energy- intensive projects that feature high emissions and outdated production capacity.
China to continue promoting green, low-carbon development
2022-03-05 Source: Xinhua
China will continue to improve the environment and promote green and low-carbon development, according to a government work report submitted Saturday to the national legislature for deliberation.
The country will work harder to address pollution and protect and restore ecosystems. It will promote development while also reducing emissions, and ensure greater harmony between humanity and nature, said the report.
To make the country greener and more beautiful, China will adopt a more region-specific approach to environmental management, protect biodiversity, and advance the development of the national park-based nature reserve system, the report said. It added that China will take well-ordered steps to achieve peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, and put into effect the action plan for peaking carbon emissions.
Gender equality in context of climate change, biodiversity loss
2022-03-08 Source: Xinhua
Advancing gender equality in the context of climate change and biodiversity loss is one of the greatest sustainable development challenges of our time, according to experts at a global symposium held in Beijing. The symposium, in celebration of International Women's Day 2022 (IWD 2022), was jointly hosted by the Center for China and Globalization and UN Women.
IWD 2022, themed "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow," recognizes the contributions of women around the world who are leading the charge in climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future, according to UN Women.
"Women are 14 times more likely to die than men during a disaster, and account for around 80 percent of climate refugees globally. They make up 43 percent of the global agricultural workforce, playing a central role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable food and agricultural systems," said Smriti Aryal, country representative of UN Women China. Women's livelihoods are exposed to climate, environment and disaster risks, as women constitute the majority of the world's poor, and face social, economic and political barriers that limit their coping capacity and access to resources and decision-making processes. "When women are empowered to participate and lead meaningfully, it makes climate action more effective," said Aryal, who added that existing global evidence shows that women's participation leads to better outcomes in natural resource management and climate interventions at the local level.
China releases plan to support carbon peak, neutrality goals
2022-03-03 Source: Xinhua
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Wednesday released a strategic action plan to support scientific and technological efforts toward the country's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The plan aims to solve core scientific and technological issues to promote an energy revolution, industrial optimization and upgrading, and a green and low-carbon technological revolution, thus providing strong scientific and technological support for the realization of the country's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.
China to boost green shift in cities and villages: ministry
2022-02-25 Source: Xinhua
China will facilitate the green shift in urban and rural construction amid the country's efforts to achieve its carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals, the country's housing authorities said at a press conference on Thursday.
Efforts will be made to improve the structure and distribution of urban areas, said Zhang Xiaohong, vice minister of housing and urban-rural development, adding that strict restrictions will be imposed on the new construction of skyscrapers. The ministry will promote the green renovation of existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, and optimize the energy structure for green, low-carbon urban construction, Zhao said. The country will increase the number of low-carbon villages by promoting the use of renewable energy and optimizing the treatment of rural waste and sewage, he said.
India
Silicosis is ravaging mine and factory workers in several villages of Jharkhand
2022-03-04 Source: The Hindu
East Singhbhum district in Jharkhand is ravaged by silicosis, with some half a dozen villages here severely affected. While the government has not documented every individual who has died of silicosis, over 10,000 people have died of silicosis in the last two decades, almost all of them belonging to local tribal communities. This January, the Jharkhand government has approved the Factory Silicosis Beneficiary Assistance Scheme to provide compensation to factory workers who suffer from silicosis and to the dependents of workers who have died of silicosis.
Govt notification proposes 10% tree cover at construction sites, seeks views
2022-03-05 Source: Indian Express
The Centre has issued a draft rule that at least one tree for every 80 square meter of land needs to be planted within construction sites for residential and commercial buildings, ensuring 10 per cent green cover per plot. The draft notification was issued on February 28 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, which has invited suggestions and objections over the next two months before the final rules are issued. No construction will be allowed on wetland and waterbodies, and no groundwater should be used for building construction without the Central Ground Water Authority’s approval.
India targets 85% of energy needs from green sources
2022-03-10 Source: Economic Times
A 25-year vision document has proposed replacing coal-based power generation capacity by stepping up the installed renewable energy generation base to 85% of the total requirement at an investment of '60 lakh crore. According to the proposal prepared by the renewable energy ministry, coal-fired capacity will initially rise to 267 GW by 2030 from the present 210 GW and, subsequently, decline to 140 GW by the 100th year of India's independence.
India plans Rs 24,000 cr sovereign green bond as economy goes low carbon
2022-03-16 Source: Business Standard
India will issue at least 240 billion rupees ($3.3 billion) in sovereign green bonds as the country marks a shift towards a low-carbon economy. The planned issuance comes amid a global boom in sustainable investments. India is the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and plans to more than quadruple its renewable power generation capacity by 2030. Indian renewable energy companies raised debt worth 17.6 billion rupees in February, the most in nearly a year, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
Indonesia
Indonesia presses women's empowerment for sustainable transition
2022-03-17 Source: Antaranews
Indonesia is pressing for women’s empowerment to achieve a sustainable and just transition. The Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations stated that it is crucial for the country to further mainstream women’s empowerment to achieve just and sustainable transition. He underlined the importance of changing the mindset from seeing women as objects of policies and programs into seeing women as agents of change particularly in the efforts to ensure a sustainable and just energy transition. Nevertheless, a lot of rules are still required to turn this into reality where inadequate access to energy has also led to an imbalance that has affected women and girls.
Pertamina sets initiatives to expedite energy transition
2022-03-19 Source: Antaranews
Indonesia's state-owned energy company Pertamina has set several initiatives to accelerate energy transition to the target energy mix and emission reduction in ensuring sustainability. Pertamina's strategies to drive green energy is executed through priority initiatives, including developing a net zero roadmap, conducting decarbonization, and improving the new and renewable energy capacity. The company allocates capital expenditure of 14 percent for clean, new and renewable energy with carbon emission reduction target increases to 29 percent by 2030.
G20 EWTG Forum to focus on energy transition aspects: Minister
2022-03-24 Source: Antaranews
Aspects of energy transition will be emphasized during the Energy Transition Working Group (EWTG) Forum organized under Indonesia's G20 Presidency in Yogyakarta on March 23-24, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif stated. The designated main issues focused in the working group will be energy accessibility, technology, and funding.
Carbon tax imposition put off till July 2022: minister
2022-03-31 Source: Antaranews
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has informed that the imposition of the carbon tax has been postponed till July 2022 since the government is still synchronizing the implementation road map for the tax. The policy was initially to be implemented from April 1, 2022. However, the postponement of the implementation of the policy will not interfere with the national economic recovery program. The government is still coordinating to synchronize the road map to ensure the implementation of the policy runs well, the minister said.
Mongolia
There are only 492 electric vehicles in Mongolia
2022-03-31 Source: Montsame
At the Cabinet meeting on March 30, Minister of Energy N.Tavinbekh gave a presentation on how to solve the problem concerning the electricity supply in case of widespread use of electric vehicles. Minister N.Tavinbekh emphasized that countries around the world including Mongolia support the use of electric vehicles with a view to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with international agreements and conventions.
Preparations completed to start construction of Erdeneburen HPP
2022-03-30 Source: Montsame
While emphasizing the world’s transition to renewable energy sources with views to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change, the Minister noted that the hydropower plant is the most suitable for Mongolia. Currently, there is no large-capacity hydropower plant in the country except the seven which are low-capacity.
Green Financing Regional Forum starts at State House
2022-03-29 Source: Montsame
A two-day ‘Green Finance Regional Forum’ has kicked off at the State House today. At the forum being organized ahead of the Mongolia Economic Forum 2022, the national roadmap for sustainable financing will be approved alongside holding discussions on matters concerning the environment and green financing. Certificates are also planned to be presented to financial institutions and several large domestic companies that have made the decision to support the ‘One Billion Trees’ national movement.
Thailand
Northeast floating farm marks Thailand’s moves toward green energy
2022-03-13 Source: The Thaiger
A new solar farm in Thailand’s Northeast that floats on water is one of 15 that Thai authorities plan to build by
2037. The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 47,000 tonnes a year. Officials also hope the first farm in
Ubon Ratchathani will attract tourists. They are calling it the “world’s largest floating hydro-solar farm”. Thailand is trying harder to decrease fossil fuels. At the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland last year, Prime Minister Prayut set the carbon neutrality goal for 2050, as well as a goal to have net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2065.
NXPO joins the launch of PEA and FTI collaboration on renewable energy and carbon credit
2022-03-22 Source: NXPO
On 14 March 2022, NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong joined the event announcing the collaboration between the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to pilot the development of renewable energy and carbon credit framework.
Pacific region:
UN to continue advocating against climate change in Pacific region: UN official
2022-03-21 Source: Xinhua
The United Nations (UN) will continue to advocate against climate change in the Pacific region this year, said a UN official on Monday.
According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Sanaka Samarasinha, UN resident coordinator to five South Pacific island nations including Fiji, said that the countries in the Pacific region are dealing with an existential crisis that is not caused by them. Under the climate change rubric, the Pacific countries will also be dealing with disaster preparedness and response, Samarasinha said, adding that Fiji has been proactive in its climate change revolution.
UN NEWS
UN weather agency to spearhead 5 year early warning plan, boosting climate action
2021-03-23 Source: UN News
The UN set an ambitious five year deadline on Wednesday for countries to ensure that citizens worldwide are protected by early warning systems against extreme weather and climate change, the UN chief announced, marking World Meteorological Day.
“Early warnings and action save lives,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message during a ceremony marking the day, adding that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) would “spearhead new action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems within five years.” The agency will lead the effort and present an action plan in November at this year’s UN climate conference (COP 27) in Egypt.
New UN report looks underfoot, to solve global water crises
2021-03-21 Source: UN News
While groundwater accounts for 99 per cent of all running freshwater on Earth, it is often undervalued, mismanaged, and overexploited, according to a report published on Monday by the UN scientific organization, UNESCO.
“Groundwater is a critical natural resource, invisible but indispensable for life on our planet”, UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in the Foreword of Making the invisible visible, the latest edition of the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR).
Noting that nearly 50 per cent of the world’s urban population depends on underground water sources, she pointed out that “more and more aquifers are being polluted, overexploited, and dried up by humans, sometimes with irreversible consequences.”
Groundwater is the focus of World Water Day, marked on Wednesday, and in cooperation with UN-Water, UNESCO is organizing a global groundwater summit in December. UN-Water’s flagship WWDR focuses on a different theme every year and is published by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water.
UN chief warns against ‘sleepwalking to climate catastrophe’
2021-03-21 Source: UN News
The goal to limit future warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, highlighted in the Paris Agreement on climate change, and driven home in last November’s COP26, gathering in Glasgow, is now on “life support” and “in intensive care,” the UN chief told the Economist Sustainability Summit on Monday. Speaking via video link, Secretary- General António Guterres highlighted some of the progress made at COP 26 last year but pointing to “the enormous emissions gap” conceded that “the main problem was not solved – it was not even properly addressed.”
According to current national commitments however, global emissions are set to increase by almost 14 per cent during the rest of the decade. Last year alone, global energy-related CO2 emissions grew by six per cent “to their highest levels in history,” Mr. Guterres said, as coal emissions surged “to record highs.”
With the planet warming by as much as 1.2 degrees, and where climate disasters have forced 30 million to
flee their homes, Mr. Guterres warned: “We are sleepwalking to climate catastrophe.”
Time for ‘tangible and credible’ forest management, says UN chief
2021-03-20 Source: UN News
Healthy forests are “essential” for people and the planet, the UN chief said in his message marking the International Day of Forests. “They act as natural filters, providing clean air and water, and they are havens of biological diversity…[and] help to regulate our climate by influencing rainfall patterns, cooling urban areas and absorbing one-third of greenhouse gas emissions,” explained Secretary-General António Guterres.
Commemorated annually on 21 March, the international day reminds everyone that the sustainable management of forests and their resources, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.
UN Ocean Conference 2022: ‘Fleet’ of solutions to be launched
2021-03-18 Source: UN News
Billions of humans, animals and plants rely on a healthy ocean, but rising carbon emissions are making it more acidic, weakening its ability to sustain life underwater and on land. Plastic waste is also choking our waters, and more than half of the world’s marine species may stand on the brink of extinction by 2100.
But it is not all bad news. According to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson, momentum for positive change is building around the world, with people, especially youth, mobilizing to do their part to reverse the decline in ocean health.
The UN Ocean Conference which will take place from 25 June to 1 July, in Lisbon, Portugal will provide a critical opportunity to mobilize partnerships and increase investment in science-driven approaches. It will also be the time for governments, industries, and civil society to join forces and take action. With 100 days to go until the event, UN News spoke with Mr. Thomson about the event, and the current state of our oceans.
Push for ‘more caring, thoughtful’ relationship with nature: UN chief
2021-03-02 Source: UN News
Everyone must commit to preserving the Earth’s “invaluable and irreplaceable wildlife,” the UN chief said on Wednesday in his message for World Wildlife Day. “Each year…we celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet’s wild plants and animals,” reminded Secretary-General António Guterres, describing the day as an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and “to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people.” “By damaging the natural world, we threaten our own well-being,” he added.
Today, all around the world, wildlife is in peril as a quarter of species face extinction – in large part, because we have destroyed nearly half of the ecosystems in which they live. “We must act now to reverse this trend,” underscored the UN chief.
This year’s day also highlights the importance of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which was kicked off last year and runs until 2030.
Nations sign up to end global scourge of plastic pollution
2021-03-02 Source: UN News
Heads of State, environment ministers and other representatives from 175 nations, endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi on Wednesday to end plastic pollution, and forge an international legally binding agreement, by the end of 2024. The landmark resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.
IPCC adaptation report ‘a damning indictment of failed global leadership on climate’
2021-02-28 Source: UN News
UN scientists on Monday delivered a stark warning about the impact of climate change on people and the planet, saying that ecosystem collapse, species extinction, deadly heatwaves and floods are among the "dangerous and widespread disruptions” the world will face over the next two decades due to global warming.
“This report is a dire warning about the consequences of inaction,” said Hoesung Lee, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “It shows that climate change is a grave and mounting threat to our wellbeing and a healthy planet. Our actions today will shape how people adapt and nature responds to increasing climate risks,” he said, adding: “Half measures are no longer an option.”
This is the second in a series of three reports from the UN’s top climate scientists and its launch comes just over 100 days since the UN climate action summit in Glasgow, COP26, agreed to step up action to limit global warming to 1.5°C and stave off the worst effects of climate change.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the first report, issued last August, a “code red for humanity”, and said that “If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe.”
COVID-19 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Reversing progress toward decent work for all
2021-03-21 Source: ILO
The pandemic wreaked havoc on people’s lives and societies, but how far did it set the global community back
in reaching the SDG targets related to decent work and economic growth?
The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021 revealed the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the report pointed out that insufficient official data sources made it difficult to obtain a detailed and accurate picture of progress towards the SDGs in real time, it identified a number of areas that required urgent and coordinated action. More data are now available to assess the impact of the pandemic on labour markets. While the picture is gradually becoming clearer, the outlook is by no means any brighter.
ILO Global Forum concludes with renewed commitments to a recovery that puts people first
2021-02-25 Source: ILO
The Global Forum for a Human-centred Recovery, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), concluded with renewed commitments to push for a recovery that puts people first and tackles the dangerous inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.
Thematic sessions during the Forum addressed the most pressing issues facing the world of work; inclusive growth and decent jobs, universal social protection, protecting workers and sustaining enterprises, and a just transition to carbon neutrality. It closed with a discussion on how to reach an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
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