BRI Topic #3:
Environmental Implications

Arguments

Morocco: 
   Morocco heavily relies on fossil fuel imports for 80% of its electricity. In 2009, the country set a goal to increase the use of renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro) to 42% of its electricity generation by 2020, and later raised this target to 52% by 2030. This would involve installing a significant amount of solar and wind power capacity, requiring about $30 billion of investment. In June 2021, Morocco updated its plan to achieve a 45.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

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To facilitate renewable energy development, the government established the Morocco Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) in 2010. MASEN acts as a centralized resource for renewable energy developers, handling permitting, land acquisition, and financing. It also organizes competitive tenders for specific sites and capacities, signs Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with independent power producers (IPPs), and sells the electricity to the national grid operator. MASEN's government support minimizes risks for both developers and lenders. Additionally, MASEN invests in projects and works with development banks and donor trust funds. Morocco has also established a legal framework for IPPs to develop projects through corporate PPAs.

Between 2012 and 2020, Morocco's wind and solar capacity grew from 0.3 GW to 2.1 GW. To accommodate the increasing use of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE), Morocco is implementing various flexibility measures, including Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants with thermal storage, interconnections with Europe, pumped hydro storage, and gas-fired plants.

Morocco's abundant wind and solar resources offer the potential for utilizing green energy in desalination, and industrial processes, and for exporting electricity and hydrogen.
 

Sources:

• 「共建‘一带一路’绿色成果」十年绘就‘一带一路’绿色答卷.” 「共建"一带一路"绿色成果」十年绘就"一带一路"绿色答卷, baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1780422234856257181&wfr=spider&for=pc. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023. 

• “‘一带一路’生态环境保护合作规划_百度百科.” 百度百科, 2 June 2023, baike.baidu.com/item/%E2%80%9C%E4%B8%80%E5%B8%A6%E4%B8%80%E8%B7%AF%E2%80%9D%E7%94%9F%E6%80%81%E7%8E%AF%E5%A2%83%E4%BF%9D%E6%8A%A4%E5%90%88%E4%BD%9C%E8%A7%84%E5%88%92/20800192?fr=ge_ala. 

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Indonesia: (Simon) 

Introduction
Indonesia, with its rich natural diversity and unique ecosystems, faces significant environmental concerns linked to the construction of dams, particularly the dam in Sumatra led by Sinohydro, a Chinese hydropower company. This dam project threatens the Batang Toru ecosystem, putting at risk iconic species such as orangutans and the jungle itself. Environmental concerns have led international investors, like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank's International Finance Corporation, to withdraw funding due to ecological harm concerns. However, Sinohydro may still secure funding from China's state-owned Bank of China, highlighting the complex interplay of economic interests and environmental preservation. The implications of such environmental disruptions are not limited to Indonesia but also extend to the broader context of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), bringing about habitat destruction in Indonesia with severe consequences for both biodiversity and local communities.

Impact on the Tapanuli Orangutan
The Tapanuli Orangutan, a critically endangered great ape found exclusively in Indonesia, faces a significant threat from the $1.6 billion hydroelectric power plant development on Sumatra Island. The construction and operation of the hydroelectric plant can lead to habitat destruction, deforestation, and disturbances that directly threaten the orangutan's survival. The destruction of their natural habitat is further compounded by the disruption of their feeding and nesting sites, pushing the species closer to extinction.

Deforestation Along the Pan Borneo Highway
The construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, spanning multiple countries, including Indonesia, has been associated with environmental disasters such as landslides and floods. These incidents are often linked to deforestation and changes in land use during infrastructure development, particularly road construction. The consequences of deforestation extend beyond the loss of natural habitats; they disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, leading to long-term consequences such as soil erosion, increased landslides, and altered water flow patterns, which affect local communities and ecosystems alike.

Invasive Species Introduction
Chinese investments, particularly in infrastructure development associated with the BRI, pose an additional risk in the form of introducing invasive species to the countries where these projects are implemented. These invasive species can outcompete native flora and fauna, disrupt local ecosystems, and cause further habitat destruction. The introduction of invasive species can have far-reaching consequences, including the displacement of local species, loss of biodiversity, and the destabilization of local ecosystems.

Conclusion
So, what are the effects of habitat destruction resulting from the BRI? It can lead to extensive biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and an increased risk of species extinction, particularly for unique and endangered species. Additionally, it results in soil erosion, landslides, altered water flow patterns, air and water pollution, loss of ecological services, displacement of indigenous communities, economic impacts, and contributes to global climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions. These effects are not confined to environmental challenges but also have socioeconomic and public health implications.
 

Pakistan: (Paul) 
One major environmental concern in Pakistan stems from the construction of coal-fired power plants, such as the Sahiwal Coal Power Project in the Punjab province. According to data from environmental assessments, coal-based power generation significantly contributes to air pollution, releasing pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions have direct implications for public health and environmental quality. Reports from local communities near the Sahiwal project site have documented increased cases of respiratory ailments, underscoring the tangible impacts of such pollution on human well-being. 

Furthermore, large-scale infrastructure projects like dams, which are part of the BRI's agenda in Pakistan, can bring about alterations in water flow and quality. The construction of dams, exemplified by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, raises concerns about potential water pollution and disruptions to aquatic ecosystems. Studies have shown that improper dam construction and operation can lead to sedimentation, reduced water quality, and alterations in the aquatic habitat, ultimately impacting biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on these ecosystems.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization associated with BRI-related projects have also led to heightened waste generation, particularly in densely populated areas. Inadequate waste management practices have resulted in the pollution of land and water resources. This further emphasizes the need for robust waste management systems that align with sustainable development goals. Efforts should be made to implement effective waste disposal and recycling strategies to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts. 

Sources:

• 1. https://lpgcl.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Environmental-Impact-Assessment-Report-Part-I.pdf

• 2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rra.4131?af=R

• 3. https://datatopics.worldbank.org/what-a-waste/

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Sri Lanka: (Daniel) 

Environmental concerns about Hambantota Port Development

• The development of the Hambantota Port is one of the flagship BRI projects in Sri Lanka. Environmental concerns include the dredging of the port area, which can disrupt marine ecosystems, and the potential for increased shipping activities leading to oil spills and other pollutants in the surrounding waters. There have been concerns about the impact on the nearby Bundala National Park, which is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

The Hambantota Port development, financed by Chinese investment under the BRI, has raised concerns about environmental impacts, including potential water pollution in the surrounding areas.

• Impact on Ecosystems: Water pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Contaminants, such as industrial pollutants, sediment, and nutrients, can disrupt the balance of aquatic life, leading to reduced biodiversity and negative effects on fish and other species.

• Health Risks: Polluted water sources can pose health risks to local populations. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, can proliferate in contaminated water, leading to public health crises. Access to safe drinking water may be compromised.

• Agricultural Impacts: Water pollution can affect agriculture by contaminating irrigation water and agricultural land. Excess nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals in water can harm crops, reduce yields, and affect food safety.

• Economic Consequences: The fishing industry, tourism, and agriculture are crucial sectors of Sri Lanka's economy. Water pollution can disrupt these industries by damaging fish stocks, affecting coastal tourism, and diminishing agricultural productivity, leading to economic losses.

Effects of water pollution in Siri Lanka from BRI:
Water pollution from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Sri Lanka can have a range of adverse effects on the environment, public health, and local communities. It's important for Sri Lanka to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments for BRI projects, enforce environmental regulations, and collaborate with the relevant Chinese partners to mitigate water pollution and its effects. Transparent project planning and execution, as well as community engagement, are crucial to addressing the potential impacts of water pollution on the environment and society. International cooperation and assistance may also play a role in managing and mitigating these environmental challenges.

Sources for Sri Lanka:

• https://www.chathamhouse.org/2020/03/chinese-investment-and-bri-sri-lanka-0/2-labour-and-environment 

• https://scroll.in/article/904456/environmental-damage-and-land-acquisition-anger-grows-in-sri-lanka-against-belt-and-road-initiative

• https://www.rfa.org/english/commentaries/china-srilanka-07182022103112.html

• https://theasiadialogue.com/2019/05/24/sri-lankas-port-development-and-the-role-of-the-bri/ 
   

BRI’s Efforts to Ensure Sustainability (Ray)
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has articulated several key sustainability goals and objectives in its mission. Notable achievements in these areas have been observed in various BRI projects. Efforts to incorporate environmental sustainability practices, such as renewable energy investments, have been made to mitigate the environmental impact of BRI projects. 

In 2017, the Chinese government issued the “The Belt and Road Ecological and Environmental Cooperation Plan”. This is a plan of policies that will promote the protection and preservation of the natural environment along with the other initiatives of the BRI. This plan proposed and mentioned several measures that should be taken to preserve the environment in which we dwell. For example, it was mentioned that “..all provinces are to participate in the work of reducing contamination of our environment, including the contamination of air, soil, water, and other natural aspects.” This accurately demonstrates the measures that China has taken to promote “green” activity within the scope of China using the BRI. Not only should they reduce the release of pollution, but province officials and related institutions are also to participate in fixing the damage that humans have imposed on our environment. For example, China collaborated with over 26 countries and formed the “Green Development International League”. This is an organization that focuses on preserving nature and environmental protection as a cross-national effort. The BRI has boosted China’s economy as a whole while emphasizing environmental protection as well.

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Vietnam:(John)
The Belt and Road Initiative presents environmental challenges in Vietnam, but steps are being taken to promote sustainability. While BRI projects like coal power plants and infrastructure development in Vietnam have contributed to environmental degradation, the Vietnamese government and civil society organizations have advocated for and implemented measures to mitigate ecological damage.

Environmental impact assessments for railway project:
The Hanoi-Lao Cai railway, part of the Kunming–Singapore railway connecting China to Vietnam, traverses ecologically sensitive areas like national parks. Environmental impact assessments and surveys were conducted to minimize damage to biodiversity. This demonstrates efforts to assess and reduce environmental risks for major BRI infrastructure projects in Vietnam. [1] 

National action plan adopts sustainable approach: 
Vietnam adopted a national action plan in 2020 to implement BRI projects sustainably after concerns were raised over power plants and other Chinese investments worsening air and water pollution. The action plan outlines strategies like requiring environmental impact assessments and integrating climate change considerations into BRI projects. This shows steps by the government to mitigate negative environmental effects of BRI investments. [2] 

Scientific organizations advocate cooperation: 
Organizations like the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations have called for strategic environmental assessments of BRI projects and boosting environmental cooperation between Vietnam and China. They recommend comprehensive reviews of ecological impacts and increased collaboration on sustainability goals. This civil society advocacy pressures policymakers to make BRI investments more environmentally responsible. [3] 

Vietnam administration enhances monitoring: 
The Vietnam Environment Administration has worked to enhance environmental regulations, monitoring and law enforcement related to BRI projects. This includes producing guidance documents on sustainable BRI investments. These regulatory efforts demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to ensuring Chinese-backed projects meet ecological standards and principles of sustainable development. [4]

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Civil society and government bodies in Vietnam are striving to ensure BRI projects follow ecological safeguards and principles of sustainable development. While environmental risks persist, active efforts are being made to protect the country's natural resources.

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Sources for Vietnam:

• [1]https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-02-18/Environmental-safeguard-for-China-Vietnam-railway-construction-OEDOtLWfdy/index.html

• [2] https://www.italaw.com/sites/default/files/news/italaw12736.pdf

• [3] https://en.nhandan.vn/scitech/item/8602102-conference-assesses-vietnam-china-cooperation-opportunities.html

• [4] https://policy.asiapacificenergy.org/node/4060

Laos:  (Ivan)
   In Laos, the Chinese government has demonstrated its commitment to incorporating environmental safeguards into the Belt and Road Initiative. For example, in the Nam Ou River Hydropower Project, funded by Chinese investment, an environmental and social impact assessment was conducted, considering factors such as fish migration routes and the displacement of local communities. Moreover, China has signed agreements with Laos to enhance cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management, focusing on protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices in the forestry sector. Additionally, through initiatives like the BRI International Green Development Coalition, China facilitates knowledge exchange and technology transfer, supporting environmental protection and sustainable development in Laos. These efforts exemplify China's consideration of environmental concerns and promotion of sustainability within the BRI project in Laos.

Sources:

• Wignaraja, Ganeshan. “2. Labour and the Environment - International Affairs Think Tank.” Chinese Investment and the BRI in Sri Lanka, Chatham House, 24 Mar. 2020, www.chathamhouse.org/2020/03/chinese-investment-and-bri-sri-lanka-0/2-labour-and-environment. 

• (Links to an external site.)

• Perera, Amantha. “Environmental Damage and Land Acquisition: Anger Grows in Sri Lanka against Belt and Road Initiative.” Environmental Damage and Land Acquisition: Anger Grows in Sri Lanka against Belt and Road Initiative, Scroll.in, 8 Dec. 2018, scroll.in/article/904456/environmental-damage-and-land-acquisition-anger-grows-in-sri-lanka-against-belt-and-road-initiative. 

• Kannangara., Pabasara. “Sri Lanka’s Port Development and the Role of the Bri.” Sri Lanka’s Port Development and the Role of the BRI, Asia Research Institute, 21 May 2019, theasiadialogue.com/2019/05/24/sri-lankas-port-development-and-the-role-of-the-bri/. 

• Teo, Hoong Chen, et al. “Environmental Impacts of Infrastructure Development under the Belt and Road Initiative.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 19 June 2019, www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/6/6/72. 
   

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