With the launch of the Near Zero Emissions Coal initiative, the environmentalists have definitely been sent dancing. The European-Chinese partnership is set to eliminate nearly all carbon-dioxide emission from coal plants in China, which is regarded as one of the top polluters of the environment.
Although the project cost is expected to run into billions, neither party is sparing any thought to the expenditure. China has long been criticized for doing enough to trim its greenhouse gas emission rate and its deal with the British government does augur a bright future for the world environment.
The British government is going to fund the project, which will try and employ a technology that traps carbon dioxide from coal exhausts and pipes it underground, causing no damage to the environment. Coal power has been the main source of energy for China and has been an elementary factor in its unprecedented economic growth. But there have been sharp criticisms at its greenhouse gas emission rate and many have had suggested the Chinese government to use wind and solar power.
But China remains stuck to its coal power and the new technology should help it satisfy the environmental police also. The coal plants in China would now emit less amount of the harmful greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and the signs are good. This step taken by the British and Chinese governments to find technical solutions to the ethical problems of global warming and climate change is indeed praiseworthy and could provide the launch pad of more innovative measures to counter environmental problems.
Image Source: Natural History Mag
Source: Wired