Pollution in China
Description
Since the economic reforms of the 1980s, runaway economic growth has turned China into a major creator of pollution. While the Chinese government ineffectually tries to grapple with its growing environmental problems, rising discontent among the masses augurs political changes. The film shows the city of Chongqing on the Yangzte River, to be one of the most industrialized and polluted areas in China. Drinking water for the local population is precarious at best. Some 360 million Chinese find themselves in similar circumstances. One entrepreneur lost 450 tons of fish -- and his business -- as the result of illegal dumping. Six years of legal action against the polluting industry have come to nothing. He complains that during the case, the corrupt authorities made his life hell. Hu Jia, a dissident currently under house arrest, says "Environmental officials are either bribed or have shares in the factories." In Linfen, one of the world's most polluted cities, we see how China s growing dependence on coal to fuel its industries takes its toll. Cities like Linfen are becoming the biggest source of greenhouse gases. Residents in the area are disgusted and demand solutions but the local authorities do nothing. The Ministry of the Environment has neither the will nor the resources to tackle the polluters. Grassroots campaigners are demanding a real voice in how decisions are taken. For those seeking political changes in the world's biggest dictatorship, these protests represent a small ray of light and hope. A closed captioned version is available. Please specify when ordering.
Runtime
33 min
Subjects
Geography
Genre
Date of Publication
2008
Database
Alexander Street
Direct Link
Similar Films
Ice Town - Life On The Edge, Svalbard Solutions
TEDTalks, Sonaar Luthra—We Need to Track the World's Water Like We Track the Weather
Climate Challenge. Part 2
United States of energy
The Watershed Guardians of the Fraser River
Implementing Urban Greening. Part 4 - Integrated Resource Management
Is Carbon Capture Essential to Fighting Climate Change?, A Debate
FRANCE
Lethal Seas
Carbon crooks
Towards a More Sustainable Community. Part 1 - Education in Action
Ice Town - Life On The Edge, Welcome To Svalbard
Melting Point
Elizabeth May. The Politics of Green
Reclaiming Argentina’s Riachuelo River. Marina Aizen