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

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