On the road to a greener electricity mix, power security is also an important matter for China. Just last fall, power shortages even crippled factories in some provinces. A massive expansion of power storage facilities is supposed to ensure that something like that doesn't happen again - but there are difficulties with financing.
By Nico Beckert
According to a recent Civey survey, the reputation of both the Olympic Games and the People's Republic of China has suffered, at least in Germany. Nevertheless, the hosts consider the Olympics a complete success, which gives them greater legitimacy, especially in domestic politics.
By Marcel Grzanna
China discovers green consumption. To achieve its climate targets and produce less waste, people are supposed to shop more mindfully. That is the conclusion of a new government plan. But many companies are merely applying a green coat of paint. Will the government succeed in creating truly sustainable consumption?
By Nico Beckert
The organizers of the Winter Olympics promise a carbon-neutral event. As one of the world's biggest polluters, China is under special scrutiny. The IOC praises new sustainability standards. But not only the CO2 footprint plays a role, but also the water consumption caused by the production of artificial snow, the protection of the native fauna, and the long-term use of the Olympic venues.
By Marcel Grzanna
German architect Hans-Martin Renn helped build a ski jumping venue in Zhangjiakou, China. A few days before the start of the Olympic Games, he talks to us about conferences with uninformed party cadres, Chinese binge-drinking, and how it feels to help build a winter sports monument for an authoritarian regime. Marcel Grzanna spoke with Renn.
By Marcel Grzanna
