Energy and the environment in China

China's economic development over the past decades has been characterized by rapid growth of the energy sector. Since China's economic development still has a long way to go, the pressures that tend to increase energy consumption will remain strong. Particularly given the dominance of fossil fuels, this would mean more noxious pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions unless countervailing measures are taken. With a view to following a sustainable path of economic development, China is now consciously pursuing a policy of protecting the environment while raising economic standards. This policy has several facets. They include higher energy efficiency, cleaner coal technology, efforts to explore and exploit oil and natural gas, and developing hydro power, nuclear power, and other sources of renewable energy such as solar energy and wind power. It also includes development of considerable biomass resources using modern power generation technology in an environmentally friendly and efficient way.