China’s Environmental Degradation
Water pollution and scarcity are affecting China’s economy, with air pollution affecting the health of its citizens. A record level of growth has lead to the consumption of vast quantities of resources. China holds the fourth largest freshwater resources in the world however two thirds of its cities have less water than is required and 110 suffer shortages. Three quarters of river water flowing through urban areas are unsuitable for drinking and fishing, and 30% of river water through the company is deemed to be unfit for use for agriculture or industry. Therefore 700m people drink contaminated water. Many species of fish in the yellow river are extinct due to damming or pollution. With much of its population taking to the streets in protest of contaminated water and air and the Beijing Olympics only a few months away, China needs to take serious action. © 2007 Council on Foreign Relations, publisher of Foreign Affairs
Source: Times Newspaper – http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/china/article2846875.ece
