South Korea: Carbon Neutral Program

China: Targets for Renewable Energy

China’s energy mix will be made up of 16% renewable energy by 2020, including specific goals for each sector.

Status: In Force;

Targets:

-install 5GW wind power by 2010 and 30GW wind power by 2020

-300MW installed capacity of solar power by 2010 and 1,800MW by 2020

China: Green Insurance System

China is beginning a trial phase of requiring insurance for companies that produce or use high- risk chemical products. Companies that have been prone to accidents recently will be targeted. This measure is intended to help victims of polluting industries receive timely and appropriate compensation. The insurance would prevent companies from going bankrupt after a serious environmental accident, but still give them incentive to lower their insurance costs by increasing their safety standards.

India: Ethanol Promotion

India has passed a measure to increase the blend of ethanol in gasoline from 5% to 10% by October 2008. Indian ethanol manufacturers will also begin producing directly from sugarcane instead of from molasses. The government has recommended a standard price of 21.5 rupees per liter.

Date Implemented: 2007

Status: In Force; Mandatory

China: National Climate Change Program

In June, 2007 China released its National Climate Change Program outlining the challenges that China is facing in dealing with climate change. It outlines steps that China has taken towards sustainable development and plans that China will enact in the future to address climate change. Strategies include increasing R&D, improving energy efficiency and building construction, developing renewable and nuclear energy, increasing forest cover, improving industrial policy and agriculture, and improving institutions and policies.

Brazil: Inter-ministerial Commission on Climate Change (CIMGC)

The Inter-ministerial Commission on Climate Change (CIMGC), composed of nine ministries and headed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, was established in 1999 for the purpose of co-ordinating discussions on climate change and integrating the government’s policies in these ministries. The CIMGC provides input on the governments involvement with the UNFCCC and sets criteria and makes decisions on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.

Turkey: Draft bill encouraging renewables

Turkey has a great deal of potential in renewable energy. Further development, financing and market reforms are needed to allow the technologies to be competitive.

Targets: Turkey aims to provide 2% of its electricity from wind power

References: EIA Country Analysis Brief: Turkey, http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/turkey.html

EIA Turkey’s Environmental Issues

Turkey: Environmental Law

This law outlines Turkey’s environmental policy in general terms. It aims to protect the environment and Turkey’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations. It includes the polluter pays principle. Regulations have been issued on air quality protection, water pollution control, environmental impact assessment, hazardous waste control, noise control, and the control of hazardous materials.

Date Implemented: 1983

Turkey: Automobile Standards

The Ministry of Environment and automobile manufacturers reached an agreement on environmental performance standards in new cars.  Starting in 2000, all imported and locally produced new automobiles are to be equipped with catalytic converters.

Date Implemented: 1993

Status: In Force; Mandatory

Thailand: The Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality