Cambridge International as and a level Economics Ebook

particular, the adoption of an adjustable credit allocation 
should keep the price of credits at a reasonable level. 
Typically this is 30 yuan per ton. With limited allowances, 
companies are under pressure to cut their emissions. Many 
are also expected to take advice from consultants who can 
advise on the application of greener technologies.
The Shenzhen programme is clear evidence that China is 
now serious about saving energy and reducing emissions. 
Extending this scheme as is planned will involve a major 
overhaul of the administrative and regulatory systems. 
If Shenzhen is successful, then this will go part of the way 
to reducing China’s image as a heavy polluter.
Source:
Adapted from 
China Daily
, 29 July 2013.
Shenzhen’s factories emitting pollution
194
Cambridge International A Level Economics

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SELF-ASSESSMENT TASK 
8.1
City counts cost of chemical spill
Business owners with empty dining rooms and 
quiet shops in Charleston, West Virginia’s capital 
in the US, are now counting the cost of a massive 
chemical spill.
As much as 19,000 litres of industrial chemical leaked 
into the Elk River from a tank belonging to Freedom 
Industries, a company that produces specialised 
chemicals for the mining, steel and cement industries. 
As a consequence, more than 300,000 residents in 
Charleston were without safe drinking water. They faced 
not being able to shower, let alone drink any tap water 
for several days.
Most visitors have left the city; locals are staying at 
home or driving out of the area to get hot food. The spill 
is catastrophic for the environment and also for local 
businesses. Restaurants have had to close as they cannot 
prepare food or wash dishes, and employees are unable 
to clean their hands. Hotels are empty and retail stores 
have long sold out of bottled water and fizzy drinks. The 
city’s airport has had to close.
People have been admitted to hospital with symptoms 
such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhoea and 
reddened skin, while 73 people have had to have 
emergency treatment.
Source:
Adapted from 
South China Morning Post
, 13 January 2014.
Read the feature below and then answer the questions that follow.