China's Myriad of Concerns

While the United States is often derided for its lackluster environmental standards, the Chinese government may be encountering more severe issues. In six major areas (air pollution, water pollution, desertification, biodiversity, cancer villages, and population growth), China is testing the limits of its habitat.

These concerns are dire by most standards. Various publications have noted that on some days air pollution makes living in Beijing no better than living in a smoking lounge. This could be attributed to the fact that China burns 47% of the world's coal. But China's issues are not only airborne: floating pig carcasses recently bobbed past Shanghai. Also, an estimated 90% of China's groundwater is polluted; in a predominantly rural country, this causes many problems. Many of China's problems are exacerbated by its population.

You can read more about China's environmental issues here.

Posted by Colin Wescott