#AP Chinese Environmental Study Guide 🌏

Hey there! Let's get you feeling super confident for your AP Chinese exam tomorrow. We're going to break down China's environmental issues and solutions in a way that's easy to remember and apply. Let's do this! 💪

#1. Environmental Challenges in China

#1.1 Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 🏭

China is a major player on the global stage, and that includes its impact on the environment. Here’s the lowdown:

• Largest emitter: China is the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases, accounting for about 28% of global emissions in 2020. 😮
• Rapid Growth: Decades of rapid economic growth have led to increased industrialization and urbanization.
  • This means more factories, more cars, and more energy consumption.
• Coal Dependence: China relies heavily on coal for energy, which releases a lot of pollutants and CO2. - Weak Regulations: Historically, environmental regulations haven't been as strong as in other countries.
• Urbanization: Millions moving to cities have increased traffic and energy use.
• Industrialization: Industries like cement, steel, and chemicals are big sources of emissions.

#1.2 Contributing Factors

Here's a quick recap of what's driving China's environmental challenges:

• Rapid Economic Growth: Increased industrialization and urbanization.
• Dependence on Coal: Primary energy source, releasing pollutants.
• Weak Environmental Regulations: Historically, less strict enforcement.
• Rapid Urbanization: Increased traffic and transportation emissions.
• Industrialization: Heavy industries contribute significantly to emissions.
• High Energy Consumption: Especially in industrial sectors.

#2. China's Environmental Efforts 🌿

Don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! China is making serious efforts to clean up its act. Here’s how:

#2.1 Key Initiatives

• Renewable Energy: Massive investments in wind and solar power. ☀️
• Energy Efficiency: Policies to improve energy use in industries and buildings.
• Electric Vehicles: Promoting EVs to reduce transportation emissions.
• Afforestation: Planting trees to absorb CO2. 🌳
• Clean Technologies: Investing in carbon capture and storage.
• Carbon Trading System: A market-based system to incentivize emissions reductions.

#2.2 Specific Programs

Let's dive into some specific initiatives:

#2.2.1 "One Belt, One Road" Initiative (一带一路) 🌐

• What it is: A development strategy to improve infrastructure and connectivity along the old Silk Road.
• Goals: Promote economic development and cooperation.
• Environmental Focus: Aims for sustainable and low-carbon development.
• Mixed Reactions: Some welcome it, others have concerns about environmental and social impacts.

#2.2.2 "Made in China 2025" Initiative (中国制造2025) ⚙️

• What it is: A program to upgrade China's manufacturing to high-tech.
• Goals: Become a leader in advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Environmental Focus: Increase energy efficiency and use clean technologies.
• Controversy: Concerns about unfair competition and technology transfer.

#2.2.3 "13th Five-Year Plan" (十三五规划) 🗓️

• What it is: A plan from 2016 to 2020 to guide development.
• Goals: Address climate change and reduce emissions.
• Specific Measures:
  1. Increase non-fossil fuel energy to 20%.
  2. Reduce coal consumption below 58%.
  3. Promote clean technologies.
  4. Develop a low-carbon economy.

#2.2.4 "Green Credit Policy" (绿色信贷政策) 🏦

• What it is: A policy to encourage banks to finance environmentally friendly projects.
• Goals: Reduce emissions and promote clean energy.
• How it works: Banks increase green loans and set targets for them.

#2.2.5 "Carbon Trading System" (碳排放交易系统) 💹

• What it is: A market-based system for companies to buy and sell carbon allowances.
• Goals: Incentivize emissions reductions.
• How it works: Companies get allowances; if they emit less, they can sell the extra.
• Current Coverage: Power generation, iron and steel, cement, papermaking, chemical fibers, and non-ferrous metals.

#3. Final Exam Focus 🎯

Okay, let's nail down what you really need to focus on for the exam:

#3.1 High-Priority Topics

• Causes of Pollution: Rapid growth, coal dependence, weak regulations.
• Key Initiatives: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, carbon trading.
• Specific Programs: "One Belt, One Road," "Made in China 2025," Five-Year Plans.
• Carbon Trading System: How it works and its goals.

#3.2 Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Expect questions on the causes of pollution and the effectiveness of various initiatives.
• Free Response: Be prepared to discuss China's environmental challenges and the government's efforts to address them. You might need to analyze the impact of policies like the carbon trading system.

#3.3 Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
• Common Pitfalls: Don't confuse different initiatives. Make sure you know the specific goals of each.
• Strategies: Read questions carefully and plan your answers before you start writing. Use specific examples from your notes.

#4. Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in China? (A) Rapid economic growth (B) Dependence on renewable energy (C) Reliance on coal (D) Rapid urbanization

2. What is the primary goal of China's "Green Credit Policy"? (A) To promote the use of coal (B) To encourage banks to finance environmentally friendly projects (C) To increase industrial pollution (D) To limit international trade

3. What is the purpose of China's carbon trading system? (A) To increase the price of coal (B) To incentivize emissions reductions (C) To promote the use of fossil fuels (D) To limit international trade

#Free Response Question

Discuss the major environmental challenges facing China and analyze the effectiveness of two specific initiatives implemented by the Chinese government to address these challenges. Provide specific examples to support your analysis.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Identification of Challenges (3 points):
  • 1 point for identifying a major environmental challenge (e.g., air pollution).
  • 1 point for explaining the causes of the challenge (e.g., coal dependence).
  • 1 point for providing a specific example (e.g., smog in Beijing).
• Analysis of Initiatives (6 points):
  • 3 points for each initiative (2 initiatives total).
  • 1 point for identifying the initiative (e.g., "One Belt, One Road").
  • 1 point for explaining the goals of the initiative.
  • 1 point for analyzing its effectiveness (or potential effectiveness) with a specific example.
• Overall Coherence and Language (3 points):
  • 1 point for clear and logical organization.
  • 1 point for accurate use of Chinese vocabulary related to environmental issues.
  • 1 point for overall clarity and grammatical correctness.

You got this! Remember to stay calm, take deep breaths, and trust in your preparation. You're going to do great! 👍