by Peter Sheehan (Victoria University, Australia)

This important book focuses on the explosion of energy use that has taken place in China since 2001, far beyond any expectations. To understand the reasons for this change, the period of declining energy intensity from 1979–2001 is analyzed, together with the changing nature of China's development path. The changes that have taken place in energy institutions, structures and policies are then reviewed. This provides the basis for interpreting the surge in energy use over 2001–2007, and for analyzing the policy issues and options available to the Chinese government as it attempts to rein in energy use and reduce the damage that this is causing. Finally, the implications of China's energy use for global climate change — a topic of increasing interest worldwide — are discussed.

• China's Development Post-1979
• Declining Energy Intensity, 1979–2001
• Changes in Institutions, Energy Markets and Economic Policies
• Rising Energy Intensity After 2001
• China's New Development Strategy in the 11th Five-Year Plan
• The Impact of New Energy Policies
• China's Energy Use in the Global Context
• Implications for Climate Change