Recently, two articles crossed my desk that provide some insight into the extent and complexity of attempting to compete with China. The first article addressed the issue of labor and introduced, at least to me, the number 996. Apparently, this is shorthand for the schedule that has become the workplace norm at many Chinese companies: … Continued
China’s economy is heavily dependent on coal powered electric energy. We have previously discussed China’s dependence on coal. (See our blogs titled Climate, Coal and China and Coal). In order to meaningfully reduce China’s dependence on coal, solutions to two primary roadblocks will have to be found. Specifically, the availability of scalable and economically practical … Continued
China is putting forth a vision of continuing economic growth in conjunction with a reduction in greenhouse gas pollution. The plan calls for a peaking in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and net carbon neutrality before 2060. This may be difficult. We have previously discussed China’s dependence on coal. (See our blog dated 2019-2-13). China’s … Continued
Reuters recently reported that India’s coal-fired power generation capacity is expected to rise by 22.4% in three years, based on comments by India’s federal power ministry’s chief engineer. India, the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, saw annual coal demand increase 9.1%, to nearly 1 billion tonnes, in the year ended March 2019. Coal demand … Continued
Years ago, in response to Los Angeles smog, Johnny Carson reputedly quipped, “I don’t trust air I can’t see.” Maybe so Johnny, but your lungs and eyes understand the health benefits of clean air. Scientists and policymakers generally agree that the world will have to quit coal to have any hope of restoring universal air … Continued
Following a recent visit to India, I came away with several pertinent climate and energy observations. Traffic in major cities, such as Delhi and Mumbai, is very difficult. Air quality is bad. In the morning, visibility from my hotel room window was generally less than one mile. While some improvement developed during the day, the … Continued
This quote, attributed to George Santayana, can be applicable to a wide range of human experiences and endeavors. While it is impossible to list all of them, recent press coverage of China’s air pollution problems represents an interesting example. China’s pollution crisis has been attributed to decades of unrestrained industrialization. While improving the economic outlook … Continued
Copyright © 2024 - Sigma Investment Counselors