“Over the past year, the world economy has experienced the most severe challenge since the Great Depression,” said Wen Jiabao at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions. China has bounced back however, and rather quickly. The financial hierarchy has regulated its banks well over the years, kept the currency steady, and allocated the stimulus money well. Companies are reporting earnings again and stocks are up by more than 70 percent this year. The real issue at hand is not the economy, but the environment.

One of the largest complaints voiced by the Chinese people, is the contamination of fresh water sources from industrial pollution, as well as lousy treatment of sewage systems throughout the country. There is much pollution in China’s lakes, and algae outbreaks, causing an environmental alarm, are happening more often than not. This can be caused by nearby agriculture materials leaking into the various bodies of water; hundreds of millions of dollars have been dedicated to cleaning China’s lakes. Lakes, and water in general possessing these levels of toxins can kill much of the surrounding wildlife, and can be accidentally served as deadly drinking water to the local population. 

The violent riots: Polluted air and dirty water lead to severe health hazards, and when your fellow comrades are dying due to the overwhelming pollution in the area, chances are you will speak up, roaringly. The latest riots, in a series across the country, resulted in hostages and a couple thousand riot police officers. A chemical plant and a tannery were at the epicenter of the rumble. The cancer rate is the highest its been in the surrounding area and the smell from the industrial production is appalling. Economic development, in a sense has “lapped” environmental regulations in China, and they need to get back on pace with each other.  

(water samples collected from various rivers and lakes around China)

The fresh water problem is (a huge) part of a larger environmental issue, no doubt. However, it is important to understand all facets of our environmental crisis whether it be in the Amazon, Oklahoma, Antarctica, or China, because no matter where we may be in the world, we are heavily affected by these environmental complications. 

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-Eli