Holding China up as an example

I’m listening to Barack Obama’s speech to Congress and was just struck by his mention of China. It wasn’t about the trade deficit. Nor was it about environmental pollution. It was about energy efficiency.

 

Here’s the excerpt:

 

“We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century.  And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient.  We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it.  New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea.”

 

So a lot of labels have been put on China in recent years: China Inc., Factory to the World, Polluted China, etc. Now we can add a new one: A China that is hurtling toward energy efficiency.

 

And it’s getting recognition for doing so.

Comments

[johnny justice]

"One could probably say the same about China's efforts to combat HIV- they are doing a better job than most of the world and have relied on science, not ideology, to guide them."

You joking?

[Pffefer]

Just how is China "launching the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient"?

[kevin]

noticed that too---like a true leader, obama highlights positives of our "competitor" and challenges us to be better. almost felt like a coach saying, "they are whipping our butt in this, are we going to let them?!"
kevin
www.bullinachinamarket.com

[Aimee]

Great point- I caught this too last night; it was so refreshing to hear a positive comparison between China and the US. One could probably say the same about China's efforts to combat HIV- they are doing a better job than most of the world and have relied on science, not ideology, to guide them. In the global playing field, China needs more of this recognition- although it is much easier to sell stories on contaminated milk and dangerous toys. Kudos to Obama for pointing out their efforts; kudos to you for calling attention to it.

Best,
Aimee