Sustainability • Volume 8 • Number 11 • 13th June 2008

China’s Growing Ecological Footprint Linked to Exports

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According to a new study, China consumes more than twice the natural resources its ecosystems can sustainably supply, having doubled its needs since the 1960s. China remains a net exporter of natural resources, with increased demand partly fuelled by exported output.

The 10 June report, jointly commissioned by environment group WWF and the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), argues for increased conservation and innovative solutions for sustainable development. It is the first comprehensive report on China’s footprint.

China’s footprint in 2003 of 1.6 hectares per person, ranked 69th in the world, is less than the world average ecological footprint of 2.2 hectares per person. China uses 15 percent of the world’s total biological capacity, and presents a large challenge because of its population size and robust economic growth. The report states that were China to have the same ecological footprint per capita as the US, it would demand the available capacity of the entire planet.

The report finds that China’s increased ecological footprint is due partly to trade. While China imports raw material to make up its ecological deficit, it also exports biocapacity embodied in manufactured products to developed countries. A recent review of China’s economy conducted at the WTO called for concerted action to preserve the environment, while recognising that China already is taking steps to reduce energy-intensive exports through export taxes and other trade measures (see Bridges Trade BioRes, 30 May 2008, http://www.ictsd.com/biores/08-05-30/inbrief.htm#3).

According to the new study on China’s ecological footprint, the country should implement a dual strategy to reduce its ecological footprint. On the one hand, China should undertake cheap and easy short-term changes such as the use of energy-intensive light bulbs, while simultaneously focusing on longer-term efforts through investment in resource-efficient infrastructure and compact urban development.

“If China can model a new development path that achieves environmental quality, social harmony, and human well-being, it will lead the way for the world as a whole,” the report argues.

ICTSD reporting; “China is urged to conserve resources,” WSJ, 11 June 2008; “New report shows China’s ecological footprint doubled,” WWF, 10 June 2008; “China not solely responsible for its ecological footprint, says WWF,” CHINA DEVELOPMENT BRIEF, 10 June 2008; “Ecological resources use below average,” CHINA DAILY, 11 June 2008.