Chinese campaigners urge government to think green

The Chinese government is coming under local pressure to maintain environmental commitments despite the worsening economic conditions.

In a letter sent to Chinese government officials this week, environmental campaigners urged authorities not to use a four trillion yuan planned economic stimulus package for projects and industries that could contribute to climate change.

Friends of Nature (FON), one of China's more established environmental non-governmental organisations, sent the letter to the National People's Congress, currently meeting in Beijing, asking for investment in green projects and the low-carbon economy.

"Don't sacrifice the long-term objectives of conserving energy and reducing emissions for the sake of protecting high energy-consuming industries that have no future," the letter is reported to have urged Chinese authorities, according to Reuters reports.

Late last week, Chinese prime minister Wen Jiabao announced plans to increase spending on clean technology and bolster agricultural output, as part of a plan to cut carbon emissions while simultaneously preparing for the potential impact of climate change on food yields.

In his first address to the joint session of Congress last month, President Obama said that China was ahead of the US when it comes to tackling energy issues around climate change. "It is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient," he said.

FON claims it has been particularly focused on promoting green and sustainable approaches to the environment among China's growing urban middles class.

"From recycling to energy conservation campaigns, FON has worked individually and jointly with other NGOs to curb unnecessary consumption," the organisation states. "FON is dedicated to educating younger generations of Chinese about the beauty of nature and environmentally sustainable development through workshops, field trips and teacher training."