World Bank Director Sees Environmental Plus In China's Response to World Financial Woes

摘要

David Dollar, country director for the World Bank in Beijing, said that ironically, the international financial crisis may be good for China's environmental situation.rnThe World Bank recently issued its China Quarterly Update estimating an economic growth rate of 6.5 percent for 2009, although Chinese officials have repeatedly projected an 8 percent growth rate.rn"We already have some preliminary data indicating a large increase in energy efficiency in 2008, because the most energy-intensive, polluting industries declined so sharply at the end of the year," Dollar said in response to questions from BNA during an online discussion forum hosted by the World Bank's China office March 26.rnWhile some of the country's $586 billion stimulus package is helping to limit damage in those energy-intensive sectors, Dollar said he is encouraged that it also includes high-speed passenger rail, urban public transport, wastewater treatment projects, and energy efficiency efforts.