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In 2008, the eyes of the world were fixed on Beijing, and the year 2010 will be Shanghai’s turn. From May 1 to October 31, an
estimated 70 million visitors will descend on Shanghai for the World Expo, the first ever to be held in a developing country inits 150-year history. Hosting one of the world’s top events after the Olympic Games and the World Cup,carries a status that honors any country. Since winning the bid in 2002, Shanghai has invested approximately RMB 28.6 billion (US $4.17 billion) on its preparations, overhauling an urban area of 5.28 square kilometers. Over 240 participating countries and international
organizations have also been actively occupied bringing it all to life. Shanghai
is determined to stage the biggest extravaganza the world has ever seen.
Each World Expo sets before us the most outstanding and innovative new elements of our time, and propels those ideas along. At the Shanghai Expo, lowering man’s carbon impact – one of the most pressing goals of the day – will play the biggest role.
In coping with rapid global climate change, developing a low carbon lifestyle will be crucial in the coming years. Since the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, human beings have been producing large quantities of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, a major cause of global warming and deterioration of the ozone layer that protects the Earth. Climate change has resulted in glacial ablation, rising sea levels and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, which pose various kinds of threats to countries around the world. Against this backdrop,common sense demands we develop low carbon technology and promote a low carbon lifestyle. The Expo will expand the concept of low carbon in new directions related to how the mainstream live their lives.
The First Low Carbon Expo
The six-month-long Expo will be entirely powered by renewable energy sources. In the 5.8-sq-km Expo Park the organizers have installed China’s largest solar photovoltaic project and a group of wind generating facilities. Transportation in the park will also be based on green electric vehicles, super capacitor cars and other clean energy transit, making attainable the goal of zero emissions. Eighty percent of the park’s lighting incorporates energy-saving LED bulbs. Eco-efficient construction uses natural forces – a river water heating energy collecting system, and other advanced technologies have been adapted to the park’s requirements. According to the Expo’s Sci & Tech Action Plan, emissions from general construction and lighting have been reduced by as much as 30 percent.
The low carbon concept has also been reflected in the chosen themes for national pavilions as well as those of international organizations and enterprises. Green and sustainable development is the core design feature for a large number of the pavilions.
The United States Pavilion, for example, whisks visitors to an American city circa 2030. The Brazilian Pavilion is a green version of the “bird’s nest.” The Australian Pavilion focuses on connecting urban constructions with the natural environment to create a harmonious relationship. The Wanke Pavilion envisions the future that humans can achieve through respect for nature.
In addition, the expected 70 millionvisitors will partake in the low carbon slant of the Expo by taking public transportation. The Green Transportation Project encourages everyone to do their part to reduce carbon emissions. For example, the Expo Park doesn’t provide a parking lot, and encourages all visitors to use public transportation. For those flying to Shanghai, the Expo suggests that they buy their carbon footprint to achieve carbon neutrality. If all goes according to plan, the Shanghai Expo will be the largest low carbon event ever.
Reducing Carbon Emissions a New Standard of Living
In an era of low carbon, a nation’s competitive strength will be reflected in its development of low carbon technologies, and also in its green living attitude. To achieve this target, it is important to alter the philosophy or style of how we live our lives.
The proposition and implementation of a low carbon expo will help promote related technologies that make it possible for people to live green at home. The organizers see it as a good opportunity to inform the 70 million visitors and millions of those participating through the Internet and other media that low carbon is the smart and easy option to live their lives.
For a long time, there have been many misunderstandings about what a low carbon lifestyle means – some associate it with reverting to primitive conditions, but the Expo will expel such notions. When people see the advanced technology and state-of-the-art designs, it’s expected that low carbon will call to mind a wisely selected future of ease and cleanliness.
The reduction of carbon emissions doesn’t mean turning off the lights and enveloping ourselves in our quilts. Low-emission lighting systems will save 70 percent of our energy. If wind, solar and other renewable energy sources can be utilized to generate electricity on a large scale, we will have sustainable renewable power that will free us from our dependency on fossil fuels.
Technology Blazes a Green Path
The development of technology ensures a high living standard even when we reduce our carbon consumption. In the past people believed in just eating till they were full. Later people began to consider body maintenance and eating healthy – not just eating to live but eating well. Now when people are seeking to renew the relationship between human being and nature so as to make our “progress” less damaging, low carbon is an important marker.
High technology is not the only means of reducing carbon emissions. Some new habits, even minor ones, can contribute to the greening of the world. For example, we can use public transportation instead of private cars, use staircases instead of elevators, turn off electrical devices and recycle our daily commodities.
Since the first Earth Day in the 1970s, the focus on how to live a low carbon life has been expanded greatly, from a discussion among a small group of environmentalists to every sector of the society.
Where unchecked carbon emissions could lead to the destruction of our planet, to reduce every ton of carbon dioxide is our responsibility and duty to our fellow man.
A low carbon lifestyle is an attitude and a habit. Living a green life does not mean lowering our living standards.
YANG AILUN is the manager of the Climate Change and Energy Project, Greenpeace China.
estimated 70 million visitors will descend on Shanghai for the World Expo, the first ever to be held in a developing country inits 150-year history. Hosting one of the world’s top events after the Olympic Games and the World Cup,carries a status that honors any country. Since winning the bid in 2002, Shanghai has invested approximately RMB 28.6 billion (US $4.17 billion) on its preparations, overhauling an urban area of 5.28 square kilometers. Over 240 participating countries and international
organizations have also been actively occupied bringing it all to life. Shanghai
is determined to stage the biggest extravaganza the world has ever seen.
Each World Expo sets before us the most outstanding and innovative new elements of our time, and propels those ideas along. At the Shanghai Expo, lowering man’s carbon impact – one of the most pressing goals of the day – will play the biggest role.
In coping with rapid global climate change, developing a low carbon lifestyle will be crucial in the coming years. Since the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, human beings have been producing large quantities of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, a major cause of global warming and deterioration of the ozone layer that protects the Earth. Climate change has resulted in glacial ablation, rising sea levels and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, which pose various kinds of threats to countries around the world. Against this backdrop,common sense demands we develop low carbon technology and promote a low carbon lifestyle. The Expo will expand the concept of low carbon in new directions related to how the mainstream live their lives.
The First Low Carbon Expo
The six-month-long Expo will be entirely powered by renewable energy sources. In the 5.8-sq-km Expo Park the organizers have installed China’s largest solar photovoltaic project and a group of wind generating facilities. Transportation in the park will also be based on green electric vehicles, super capacitor cars and other clean energy transit, making attainable the goal of zero emissions. Eighty percent of the park’s lighting incorporates energy-saving LED bulbs. Eco-efficient construction uses natural forces – a river water heating energy collecting system, and other advanced technologies have been adapted to the park’s requirements. According to the Expo’s Sci & Tech Action Plan, emissions from general construction and lighting have been reduced by as much as 30 percent.
The low carbon concept has also been reflected in the chosen themes for national pavilions as well as those of international organizations and enterprises. Green and sustainable development is the core design feature for a large number of the pavilions.
The United States Pavilion, for example, whisks visitors to an American city circa 2030. The Brazilian Pavilion is a green version of the “bird’s nest.” The Australian Pavilion focuses on connecting urban constructions with the natural environment to create a harmonious relationship. The Wanke Pavilion envisions the future that humans can achieve through respect for nature.
In addition, the expected 70 millionvisitors will partake in the low carbon slant of the Expo by taking public transportation. The Green Transportation Project encourages everyone to do their part to reduce carbon emissions. For example, the Expo Park doesn’t provide a parking lot, and encourages all visitors to use public transportation. For those flying to Shanghai, the Expo suggests that they buy their carbon footprint to achieve carbon neutrality. If all goes according to plan, the Shanghai Expo will be the largest low carbon event ever.
Reducing Carbon Emissions a New Standard of Living
In an era of low carbon, a nation’s competitive strength will be reflected in its development of low carbon technologies, and also in its green living attitude. To achieve this target, it is important to alter the philosophy or style of how we live our lives.
The proposition and implementation of a low carbon expo will help promote related technologies that make it possible for people to live green at home. The organizers see it as a good opportunity to inform the 70 million visitors and millions of those participating through the Internet and other media that low carbon is the smart and easy option to live their lives.
For a long time, there have been many misunderstandings about what a low carbon lifestyle means – some associate it with reverting to primitive conditions, but the Expo will expel such notions. When people see the advanced technology and state-of-the-art designs, it’s expected that low carbon will call to mind a wisely selected future of ease and cleanliness.
The reduction of carbon emissions doesn’t mean turning off the lights and enveloping ourselves in our quilts. Low-emission lighting systems will save 70 percent of our energy. If wind, solar and other renewable energy sources can be utilized to generate electricity on a large scale, we will have sustainable renewable power that will free us from our dependency on fossil fuels.
Technology Blazes a Green Path
The development of technology ensures a high living standard even when we reduce our carbon consumption. In the past people believed in just eating till they were full. Later people began to consider body maintenance and eating healthy – not just eating to live but eating well. Now when people are seeking to renew the relationship between human being and nature so as to make our “progress” less damaging, low carbon is an important marker.
High technology is not the only means of reducing carbon emissions. Some new habits, even minor ones, can contribute to the greening of the world. For example, we can use public transportation instead of private cars, use staircases instead of elevators, turn off electrical devices and recycle our daily commodities.
Since the first Earth Day in the 1970s, the focus on how to live a low carbon life has been expanded greatly, from a discussion among a small group of environmentalists to every sector of the society.
Where unchecked carbon emissions could lead to the destruction of our planet, to reduce every ton of carbon dioxide is our responsibility and duty to our fellow man.
A low carbon lifestyle is an attitude and a habit. Living a green life does not mean lowering our living standards.
YANG AILUN is the manager of the Climate Change and Energy Project, Greenpeace China.