Researchers from Harvard and Tsinghua University in Beijing studied the practicality of switching to wind power, a move that would cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent. By examining global meteorological data and local geographical restrictions researchers determined a network of wind turbines operating at only 20 percent capacity could produce seven times China's current energy consumption.

About 80 percent of China's electricity comes from coal, with only 0.4 percent wind. China plans to build seven large wind-power bases over the next 10 years and already ranks forth in the world in terms of installed wind capacity. The study suggests $900 billion is needed over 20 years to shift to wind and upgrade electric grids.