China’s Fragile Environment

1. China’s Fragile Environment World Geography

2. There are serious negative consequences of China’s rapid industrialization. The most notable has been the increased pollution and degradation of natural resources.

3. Under Mao Zedong Harnessed nature for agriculture (1958-1960) Collectivized farms (communes) “war on the four pests” (rats, flies, mosquitoes, & sparrows) Disregard of climate & geography Rapid Industrialization Transition from planned to market economy “Development First, Environment Later” policy endorsed. Cars replaced bicycles Power plants, refineries, & chemical factories sprout. Polluting coal fuelled drive to modernize. A Brief History of China’s Environment

4. Rise of Environmental Awareness UN figures show China is home to 16 of the top 20 world’s most polluted cities. Natural disasters (mid 80’s) Protests against dams and power plants (mid-80’s) Sensitive Subject at Home and Abroad Resource base conflict could breed social instability against Communist party. China = World’s highest emitter of carbon dioxide China establishes State Environmental Protection Administration (90’s) and many strict environmental laws Problem lies within enforcement of these! Brief History of China’s Environment www.planetark.com & lecture notes

5. “This huge world region has been almost completely transformed From its natural state and continues to have serious environmental problems. In China, some of the more pressing environmental issues Involve deforestation, flooding, water control, and soil erosion.” (Globalization and Diversity textbook, p.320)

6. Erosion, Deforestation, Flooding, Desertification, and River Cessation • Approx. 30% of China is Desert, however rapid industrialization of the area could cause this to drastically increase. • Dams and irrigation infrastructure have all but halted the Yellow River’s natural course, threatening to dry up entire river • In 1997, the Yellow River did not flow for 230 days out of the year. www.wikipedia.com & textbook

7. Erosion, Deforestation, Flooding, Desertification, and River Cessation • Increased erosion and sedimentation of the Loess Plateau • Loess: fine wind blown material deposited during ice age. • Forms fertile soil but washes away easily in running water • Loess Plateau one of the poorest parts of China • Desertification: deserts far exceed nation’s farmlands • Deforestation: Forests have been replaced with farmland • China has a history of flooding • Worst floods in N. China are caused by the Yellow River

8. Water Pollution • Majority of rivers polluted to some degree • ½ the population lacks clean drinking water • 90% of urban water sources are severely polluted

9. Water Pollution • Farming Fish in Toxic Waters • China is the largest exporter of seafood in the world (fastest growing supplier to U.S.) • Growth threatened by acute water shortages and polluted water • Water supply contaminated by sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff (including pesticides) • Farmers cope by using illegal veterinary drugs & pesticides in fish food that leave carcinogenic residues in seafood. • Water pollution has become a food and drug safety issue. (Barboza; Choking on Growth VIII: In China, Farming Fish in Toxic Waters)

10. “According to the World Bank, 16 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in China. The industrial revolution transforming the world’s most populous country is also destroying its environment.” (www.npr.org; Lim; Air Pollution Grows in Tandem with China’s Economy)

11. Air Pollution • 2/3 of China’s cities are moderately to severely polluted • Acid rain falls on 30% of the country • Only 1% of the countries 560 million city dwellers breathe air considered to be safe

12. Coal China is the largest producer & consumer of coal 70% of energy from coal 1 new coal-fired plant opened a week Coal mining operations have damaged waterways & scarred the land Hundreds of cities blackened with coal waste Air Pollution

13. Air Pollution • China’s Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides spew from China’s coal-fired power plants • “Coal is indeed China’s double-edged sword – the new economy’s black gold and the fragile environment’s dark cloud”(Bradsher, Barboza; The Energy Challenge)

14. Pollution • Pollution is taking a serious toll on human health • Pollution has made cancer China’s leading cause of death • Microscopic particles can work their way into the lungs contributing to respiratory damage, heart disease, and cancer • 750,000 people die prematurely each year from respiratory problems in China (World Heath Organization) • Residents eyes and throats sting daily, many have to wear mask. • Acid rain poisons lakes, rivers, forests, and crops • Children sickened or killed from lead & other pollutants • Coastline swamped by algae red tides – can no longer support marine life (Lim; Air Pollution grows in Tandem with China’s Economy; www.npr.org. & Kahn, Yardly; As China Roars... NYT article.)

15. “It is a very awkward situation for the country because our greatest achievement is also our biggest problem”Wang Jinnan; one of China’s leading environmental researchers

16. Solutions??? • State Environmental Protection Agency est. 1984 • Environmental Resources Committee of the NPC est. 1993 • Construction of eco-provinces • Gradually increasing proportion of GDP to environmental protection • Formulating a system of electronic waste management extends producer responsibilities • Three Gorges Project (disputed) • Regulations on Conversion of Farmlands to Forest enacted in 2003 • Nature Reserves ( Dinghu Nature Reserve) • Law on Protection of the Ocean Environment put into effect in 2000 • China signs Kyoto Protocol in 2002

17. Solutions??? • Although China has some of the strictest environmental laws, programs, and policies it is the lack of enforcement that will allow their environmental problems to worsen.