Browsing by Author "Esterhuyse, Harrie"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    China-Mali relationship : finding mutual benefit between unequal partners
    (Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2014-01) Esterhuyse, Harrie; Moctar, Kane
    Since 2000, China-Africa co-operation has seen a rapid increase in scope and size. The West African nation of Mali is one of the 50 African states with diplomatic relations with China; its experience allows for possible parallels with other African states in their engagement with a much more potent partner. Within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Africa outline economic, political and social engagements that are envisioned to help the establishment of a “win-win” partnership based on South-South solidarity. The China-Africa partnership has however come under increasing criticism from inside Africa; the perceived uni-directional flow of economic benefit in the relationship has been blamed for stagnation of industrialisation and destruction of entrepreneurialism amongst others. Within the changing context, this policy briefing explores the relations between China and Mali, looking at the history of China-Mali relations and the positive and negative effects this relationship has had on Mali. This briefing concludes with recommendations on how the current relationship between China and Mali can be adapted to allow for more benefits on both sides.
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    The Chinese solar energy industry and potential of renewables in Africa
    (Stellenbosch University Centre for Chinese Studies, 2013-12) Esterhuyse, Harrie
    China and Africa are developing in a time of climate change and scarcity. According to most climate scientists global economies will have to make a green shift to ensure continued future growth. However, there are very large differences in what is understood under the term “greening”. In some countries greening reflects a desire to work towards carbon-neutrality; in other countries external international pressure leads to action for the protection of internationally important carbon sinks. China faces a massive increase in energy demand—and needs to address mounting economic, political and social pressure to adopt and enforce green industrial policies and practices. Against this background, China has given rise to some of the world’s largest renewable energy companies; these companies form part of an increasingly important economic sector in China. As such these companies, their origin and drivers have become important for China’s international economic partners, including African states. This policy briefing explores the rise of and motivation behind China’s solar industry as a case study for the rise of the renewable energy industry in China. It makes suggestions to African decision makers in government and business for engaging China in the renewable energy sector.
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    Climate change in China : risks and responses
    (Stellenbosch University. Centre for Chinese Studies, 2012-11) Esterhuyse, Harrie
    Extreme weather events are forecast to become more frequent, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as the global climate continues to alter. Even with uncertainty in this future, countries are able to prepare themselves for the future risks by implementing adaption and mitigation strategies. This policy brief looks at China’s risk to future extreme weather events and the Chinese policy response. Overall, and despite gaps in some areas, the Chinese policies contain some adequate responses; yet, implementation remains a major challenge, as reactions to recent droughts in northern and southern China illustrate.
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    Climate change risk and response : droughts as extreme weather events in China
    (Stellenbosch University, Centre for Chinese Studies, 2012-10) Esterhuyse, Harrie
    Climate change is leading to an increase in extreme weather events globally. Different communities and different ecosystems are impacted in various ways by these events. It is important to understand what the different vulnerabilities and exposures are for different regions, so as to be better prepared to mitigate and adapt to reduce extreme weather event risk. This fifth CCS Discussion Paper for 2012 evaluates the extreme weather event risk of two drought hit areas in China. This study, indirectly, also illuminates some ways in which developing countries, especially relevant in the China–Africa relationship, can learn from each other; both from successes and mistakes.
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    FOCAC : addressing joint environmental challenges?
    (Stellenbosch University. Centre for Chinese Studies, 2012-05) Burgess, Meryl; Esterhuyse, Harrie
    Cooperation on environmental challenges has been an instrumental part of the first Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) since its inception in 2000. With increasing levels of economic interactions and political cooperation, environmental concerns have become increasingly important. This policy brief examines the state of environmental cooperation in FOCAC in the light of emerging challenges. It specifically explores issues related to biodiversity, the challenge of combatting desertification and the need to address water scarcity in both China and Africa. All three of these issues are having adverse effects on development prospects, not least on food security. A cross-cutting dimension to consider for the discussion of future challenges is the effect of climate change. From the assessment of common or different challenges, this briefing makes suggestions for future topics in China-Africa relations.
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    Preparing for FOCAC VI: China-South Africa co-operation in conservation and renewable energy
    (2015-08) Burgess, Meryl; Esterhuyse, Harrie
    As China’s development puts increasing pressure on the environment, various measures have been implemented both domestically and, increasingly, abroad in an attempt to limit the impact. China’s environmental engagement at an international level, including the agreement between the United States (US) President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping to cut carbon emissions (12 November 2014), signals the growing urgency of the issue. Within the context of the China-South Africa engagement, there are also signs of this shift. Two key areas where this is evident are in China’s growing role in conservation and the renewable energy sector. China’s domestic demand for wildlife goods has motivated the Chinese government to sign a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with African governments. In the renewable energy sector again, Africa’s energy needs and untapped capacity for electricity generation from renewable energy (RE) has created a vast potential market for global Chinese renewable energy firms. Both areas have become increasingly important topics within China-Africa relations, and feature on the Forum of China Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) agenda. This policy brief examines the role of these two themes as a way of demonstrating some of the concrete ways in which China-Africa interaction is evolving in a world where sustainable development has become key.
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    Raising the bar on sustainable development : renewable energy and environmental standards in FOCAC VI
    (2015-11) Esterhuyse, Harrie; Burgess, Meryl; Centre for Chinese Studies. Policy Briefing
    The 6th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is taking place at a time when Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are high on most international development agendas. Two important aspects of this agenda include environmental protection and the promotion of renewable energy. This policy briefing examines the promotion of renewable energy and the importance of environmental standards in Africa, within the China-Africa relationship.