China’s Relocation Policy

1. China’s Relocation Policy

2. What is China’s rationale for moving so much of its rural population into cities?

3. Why are some Chinese opposed to the urbanization initiative?

4. What are some effects accelerated urbanization will have on Chinese culture?

5. Consider your opinion: would you be a proponent or opponent of the policy?

6. Consider again the Three Gorges Dam

7. Consider again the Three Gorges Dam

8. The Trade-Off? • A price tag of $25 billion U.S. dollars • The 440 mile reservoir that was created eliminated more than 100 towns and over 1,000 historical sites, and forced 1.2 million people to move • Industrial sites that are now underwater may leak hazardous chemicals • The change in the river’s depth and flow has altered the river’s ecology and making a living through fishing is no longer feasible for many who live along the river

11. In 30 years, another planet earth will be needed for China’s appetite for raw materials • China currently consumes: • 1/3 of the world’s steel • ½ of the world’s concrete

12. 70 % of China’s lakes and rivers are polluted • 1/3 of the country is consistently exposed to acid rain • There is an increasing number of premature deaths from diseases like to air pollution • Pollution travels! Up to 25% of smoke, soot and pollutants in Los Angeles, CA can be traced to China!

16. Pudong – China’s financial center in 2013

21. THE question facing China… How can China curb pollution and resource consumption without crippling the economy? (…because an economic slowdown could lead to social/political instability!)