China’s Environmental Retreat

Washington Post by Ariana Eunjung Cha | Nov. 19, 2008 (Special Report)
In Tough Economic Times, Promises Fall by Wayside

With the global economy at the edge of recession, China appears to be turning away from previous pledges to improve its record on environmental protection. In this, China is hardly alone: A climate-change proposal in Europe that a few months ago seemed like a sure thing has now divided the continent because of its anticipated expense, and worldwide, money for the development of renewable energy sources has been drying up. Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala

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Subjects: World, Business, Sci/Tech
Topics: Environment, Global Economy, China
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Nov 19, 2008 - 10:32 AM PST
Reviewed by: Kaizar Campwala (review), Derek Hawkins (review), Marsha Iverson (review), Patricia Blochowiak (review)
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Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Nov 19, 2008 - 10:32 AM PST
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Patricia Blochowiak
3.4
 by Patricia Blochowiak - Nov. 19, 2008

As in much journalism about China, sources are often left, presumably to protect sources from government harassment, making certainty about the veracity of claims uncertain, though they are definitely credible.

Attitudes expressed are very consistent with those I saw on my three trips to China.

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Kaizar Campwala
4.1
 by Kaizar Campwala - Nov. 19, 2008

This story suffers from a lack solid data about how the shift in environmental regulation is actually playing out. Otherwise well-sourced, interesting angle.

Kaizar posted this story.
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Marsha Iverson
3.8
 by Marsha Iverson - Nov. 19, 2008

Excellent look at the current cost/benefit view of China's industrial practices vs. environmental protection. This is a vital piece in the global economic/environmental crisis. To put this issue in the proper perspective, additional information on the consequences of pollution, the scope of damage, the geographic range of impact, and the long-term implications for Chinese--and everyone else. What happened to the people who drank or bathed in the red water? Watered their fields with it, and then ate the crops? What will the renamed and relocated company do with its effluent?

The missing piece is the biggest picture: If forced to choose one or the other--to retain one and lose the other--which would YOU choose? Would you prefer profits OR breathable air, drinkable water, and edible food that won't poison you and your children? This isn't a choice with two viable options. Like the Midas Touch of legend, we can't eat gold. Neither can we breathe profit, drink stock certificates, or conduct a ceaseless assault on the environment without hurting ourselves. ... More »

With the global economy at the edge of recession, China appears to be turning away from previous pledges to improve its record on environmental protection. In this, China ... More »

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Derek Hawkins
3.9
 by Derek Hawkins - Nov. 19, 2008
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