Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook arrived in China May 11 to announce various new projects, including a project to manage 1-million-acre forest in Beijing. 

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Apple said in a same-day news release that the multi-year project with World Wildlife Fund is designed to grow "responsibly managed" forests in the country and to provide fiber for various paper and wood products. 

WWF posted May 10 that China is the world's largest producer and consumer of paper products. WWF- US Senior Director of Forests Kerry Cesareo said that the joint project is "an unprecedented opportunity" to promote responsibility and put a spotlight on a new environmental leadership model regarding forest footprints.

Cook noted that the initiative "has to happen" but it will not be completed in one day and will take some years. "We've set an example by greening our data centers, retail stores and corporate offices, and we're ready to start leading the way toward reducing carbon emissions from manufacturing," he added. 

The tech giant added that its renewable energy projects will be expanded to manufacturing facilities in China, following the launch of a major solar project in Sichuan Province three weeks ago. The project is touted to power all of Apple's corporate office and retail stores in the country.

Leshan Electric Power Co., Sichuan Development Holding Co. Ltd, Tianjin Tsinlien Investment Holding Co. Ltd, Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd, and SunPower Corp. have been selected to work with Apple on the project to build two 20-megawatt solar farms that could generate up to 80 million kilowatt hours per annum - just enough to provide electricity for 61,000 homes in the country.

Cook also joined Weibo when he arrived in China, a trip said to be a celebration of Apple's Chinese consumers, amassing over 300,000 followers within three and half hours. 

"Hello China! Happy to be back in Beijing, announcing innovative environmental programs," Cook posted, according to Time. 

TagsTim Cook, Environment, World Wildlife Fund, kerry cesareo, solar power