Title: State of the World 2006 – Special Focus: China and India
Author: Worldwatch Institute, Washington
Publisher: Worldwatch Institute, Washington
ISBN No.: 0-393-32771-X
Year of Publication: 2006
Website: http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/sow/2006/
The dramatic economic rise of China and India pose one of the greatest global environmental threats the modern world has known. Ironically, this book is not only a testimony to the environmental threats, it also spells out the business perspectives and “opportunities” of two giant new “business kids on the block” who cannot be ignored in the marketplace.
This books maps out the facts behind the rising demands for energy, food and raw materials by 2.5 billion Chinese and Indians and poses questions about the capacity to supply these and accommodate the rising demands for improved quality of life and standards of living in both the developed and developing worlds.
Some of the statistics presented in the book are mind-boggling. India’s use of oil has doubled since 1992 and China has moved from near self-sufficiency in oil in the mid 1960’s to the world’s second largest oil importer in 2004. Both China and India have coal dominated energy systems, supplying two thirds of China’s needs and half of India’s. China is the world’s second largest emitter of carbon dioxide and India the world’s fourth largest emitter. The future impacts on climate change are clear to see.
It has often been said that future wars will probably be triggered by the need for fresh water. China has only 8% of the world’s fresh water to meet the needs of 22% of the world’s people. India’s urban demand is expected to double and industrial demand triple, by 2025.
The book is not all dark and pessimistic. There are reports on the effort of both nations to fast track the use of new energy sources (India aims to increase renewable energy share of power from 5-25%) and China is the world leader in producing and installing compact fluorescent light bulbs. Both countries are increasing their focus upon water harvesting and improving water catchment management.
This book makes riveting reading in illustrating vividly the impacts of human beings on the environment. Business person and environmentalist alike will draw valuable insights from this book. Highly recommended.
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