By Styliani Kampani. Originally published on 2012/02/22
There are three types of gold: gold the precious metal, the black gold-oil and the transparent gold-water. Which one is the most important for humans? Of course the last one even though the other two seem to rule the world whereas water is taken for granted. In some places of the world water is in shortage, like in Africa and in others it is abundant, yet toxic, like in China. Due to immense industrial activity the water resources of the Republic have been seriously polluted. Namely 43% of the state-monitored rivers are so polluted that they are unsuitable for human contact. As such China is facing a crucial challenge, which requires some further advice.
The EU knows better
Water resources is a matter of global interest since China is the second largest country on Earth (more than twice the size of the EU) and additionally affects directly its numerous neighboring countries. Tackling a problem like this demands a partner with maturity and comprehensive knowledge of the environmental governance. The EU, being a critical player of the environmental issues has been closely cooperating with China in the so called water platform. The specific action plan has certain targets to be achieved during the timeframe of 2007-2013. This unique collaboration is based on strategic directions and step-by-step practices, which make the plan a viable and integrated solution. With other words the EU is sharing experience with the leading Chinese institutions of the plan like, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environmental Protection. As for the funding of the program, it is jointly backed by the EU, PRC and through the EU-China RBMP (River Basin management plan). Besides, the Republic’s strength-asset lies on its ability to mobilize environmental protection activity quickly and on a grand scale, as it can be seen from examples of afforestation and wind power generation.
A matter of giving and taking
China’s growing problems on water resources could probably make it a strategic partner for the EU now that the UN Earth Summit in Rio is approaching. Allying with China would definitely strengthen the EU’s aspect for clean water resources and sustainable development. This has also been assigned top priority by the new EU Presidency country, Denmark, which has already established the EU’s climate agenda. Ida Auken, the Danish Minister of Environment stated that the challenges emerging from China could help in the swift start of international efforts to reduce waste and help the developing countries, which share with China a lack of resources. Besides Ida Auken, Catherine Ashton in her recent speech in the European Parliament focused on the cooperation with the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). And she meant cooperation with the financial tingle of the word.
China represents the EU’s second biggest trade partner after the USA and according to the European Commission the EU is China’s top importer. Facts speak for themselves, trade and financial bonding is pretty beneficiary for both sides. Who does not crave for good graces with one of the major players on the global chess board? It worth’s mentioning that despite the financial crisis, China maintains a high growth rate up to 10%, when respectively in the EU countries it is hardly over 3% and sometimes even negative. The warming up of the bilateral relations between the EU and China pursued the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, paying a three-day visit to Beijing. Closer ties with the red Dragon would boost not only the debt-ridden region, but the global economy in general. China, which has the world’s largest financial reserves, is seeking investment opportunities around the globe, and the money would be handy for healing Europe’s wounds.
Will it work?
The cooperation between China and the EU on environmental policy is already well-advanced but the importance of environmental protection and the shifting nature of sustainable development priorities will always dictate the usefulness of further and closer cooperation. The EU has put much effort into its dialogue with China as it represents a promising playmate in order to fulfill the goals of climate change. Moreover, the EU has contributed in the transform of China’s domestic policy in this area. Nonetheless there is one significant aspect about the Chinese environmental policy and this is no other than economic growth. In fact China’s primary goal is to ensure that the EU’s engagement on climate change supports rather than hinders its high speed development. The two top environmental events of the year, the World Water Forum and the Earth Summit will prove how much progress is made and whether the EU-China collaboration is “sustainable” indeed.
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