China has already constructed several model futuristic cities — green spaces of calm that offer an ecological residential experience which is popular amongst China’s growing middle class. Yet none of these efforts have been entirely successful for a number of reasons. While we were walking through Bucharest, Romania’s “Circus Park” the other day, we were [...]
China has recently imposed a full embargo on the exportation of its rare earth minerals. Substances like terbium, dysprosium, coltan, cassiterite, and others used in the manufacture of small electronic devices from iPhones, to cellphones to electric car engines. A smart strategic move by China, you might think, given that the nation boasts 95% of [...]
Description: Two months ago, the US and China signed a landmark MOU — Memorandum of Understanding — on climate change, energy, and the environment. Some commentators have been comparing this milestone to Kissinger’s secret July 1971 visit to Mao’s PRC which opened the way to Nixon’s 1972 visit shortly thereafter. You think they’re onto something [...]
Spend enough time in a country like Switzerland and just watch how green with envy you suddenly become about its pristine enviro policies. The Middle European statelet is a bastion of all things green and glorious. It makes you wonder — what with China’s more authoritarian style of rule and regional decentralized politics — why [...]