How China Cleared the Air for the APEC Summit

The transcript discusses various measures taken in Beijing and northern China to address persistent air quality issues, including local fixes and their limited short-term effectiveness. It highlights the economic impact of pollution control on China's GDP, emphasizing the need to balance industrial production with environmental health. The energy sector's paradox of being a major CO2 emitter and a leader in renewable energy is explored, along with the transport sector's challenges in adopting electric vehicles. The transcript concludes with the long-term timeline required for significant change and the social and business implications of air quality issues.

What are some local measures being taken in China to address air quality issues?

• Encouraging more cremations

• Banning roadside barbecues

• Promoting fossil fuel use

• Increasing industrial production

How might the shutdown of factories in Beijing affect China's GDP?

• It will significantly boost GDP

• It will have no impact on GDP

• It will slightly reduce GDP

• It will cause a major economic crisis

What is a potential benefit of shifting from industrial to service-based economies in China?

• More cement production

• Reduced impact on health and welfare

• Higher industrial output

• Increased particulate emissions

What is China's position in the global renewable energy market?

• The smallest market for solar projects

• The world's largest market for wind turbines

• A leader in fossil fuel consumption

• A minor player in solar panel manufacturing

What challenge does Beijing face in promoting electric vehicles?

• High demand for electric vehicles

• Abundance of charging stations

• Oversubscription of electric vehicles

• Lack of interest from consumers