Evolution

Abstract

The evolving prospects for green revolution in China are decidedly promising. Its frantic search for a balance in its use of energy resources is driven not least by its fear and concern over basic food security and food price inflation as a result of drought, industrial contamination, and transport and fuel costs. A key indicator of commitment and intent is the Chinese auto development project in Shanghai. General Motors, having invested more than US$1 billion in hydrogen fuel-cell electric cars, is collaborating to produce a car for the Chinese market. Motivation to diversify and adopt alternative cleaner energies, such as hydro, nuclear, coal-seam gas, biomass, wind, solar, wave and other renewables could hardly be stronger. The environmental activities of China are being watched closely overseas — the UK All Party Parliamentary committee met in mid-2009 specifi cally to discuss the greening of China.

In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.

(Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species; see British Natural History Museum, Darwin Diary, 2009)