Environmental
Renewable Energy
People’s Republic of China
Leah Palladino
Human activity is filling the atmosphere with global warming emissions and as global warming becomes more of a threat, countries look for ways to increase the use of renewable energy. To prevent the continued growth and use of harmful energy resources, it is vital that new, renewable sources of energy be implemented. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the access to energy in general is unreliable and lacking. As we unite to improve the access of functional energy across the globe, it is essential to consider the type of energy implemented. Renewable energy, most commonly in the form of solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, is most efficient and results in exceptionally small amounts of greenhouse emissions being released. The United Nations must promote the use of renewable energy to preserve the health of all citizens and of the globe.
Being the most populated country in the world, the People’s Republic of China struggles to procure enough energy to sustain economic growth. We are the largest oil importer and over the last few decades, we have been looking to diversify our energy sources. China has set aggressive goals, and today China is the leading country in the use of renewable energy as the source of electricity production. For example, in the driest mountains, we have emplaced solar panels to power cities and rural areas. It is pivotal that as a country we continue to invest in sustainable alternatives, for we currently face severe water and air pollution, and investing in clean energy technologies is an investment in decreasing the air and economic problems associated with poor air quality. China has set a variety of goals to continue to promote the use of renewable energy within our country. We hope to increase total electricity production from non-fossil fuel sources from 35 to 39 percent by 2020, and by 2030, 20 percent of our energy supply will be from non-fossil fuel sources. The International Energy Agency claims that in the next five years, about 40 percent of the global solar and wind energy will originate from China. Through these goals and our plans for electricity, we hope to foster an “ecological civilization.” With the aid of renewable energy resources, President Xi Jinping hopes to alleviate global warming, better energy efficiency, and lower pollution levels through decreased fossil fuel use.
China has continued to demonstrate support for the movement away from fossil fuel-based energy, and in 2017, China invested 125.9 billion dollars towards renewable energy – nearly half of the global investment. It is important that other countries recognize the need for the shift to clean energy sources and that the United Nations acknowledges the importance of electricity reform, which in turn comes with the necessity for electricity liberalization, pricing reform, and equitable competition. We have also struggled to effectively connect energy production centers to consumption locations. China proposes that the United Nations advocate for renewable energy in both developed and underdeveloped countries. For the future, it is necessary to address the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on climate change and implement cost-efficient, clean energy throughout the globe. China looks forward to working with you and hopes for a fruitful committee experience.
- Leah Palladino
