This written assignment is concerned with the economic boom in China and its negative side effects. After a short introduction about the economic development in China, the types of pollutions and the changes are going to be explained. There will be a schedule of the most significant pollution-types and an explanation what China actually does against the environmental pollution. Afterwards there will be a statement about the future prospects. At least a resume about all those facts in form of a conclusion takes place.
In the year 2010, China replaced Japan as the second largest economy in the world. The Chinese economy has continued to grow strongly in recent years and even during the global economic crisis. Nevertheless, the economic boom in China has also had negative side effects. There are continual negative headlines about the environmental pollution in China.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The economic development of China
3. Environmental pollution/changes through the economic boom
3.1 Air-pollution
3.1.1 The blacklist
3.1.2 International comparison
3.1.3 Causes of air pollution
3.2 Water pollution
3.2.1 Freshwater
3.2.2 Algae bloom
3.3 Forests
3.3.1 Desertification
4. China´s Action plan on Environment and Health (2007-2015)
4.1 Guideline to China´s Action plan
5. Future prospects
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This work examines the rapid economic growth of China since its founding in 1949 and analyzes the severe environmental consequences that have accompanied this development. The primary research goal is to identify how industrialization and economic policies have impacted the Chinese environment, specifically focusing on air, water, and soil quality, while evaluating the government's subsequent attempts to address these crises.
- Historical transition of the Chinese economy from an agrarian society to an industrial power.
- Deep analysis of environmental degradation, including air pollution, water contamination, and deforestation.
- Evaluation of China's "Action plan on Environment and Health" as a strategy for sustainable development.
- Assessment of current environmental challenges and future prospects for ecological stability.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.2 Algae bloom
China´s waters are not only polluted by the discharge of untreated industrial and urban sewage, but also by runoff from fertilizer and pesticides from agriculture. Meanwhile China has a share of 34% of global demand for phosphorus fertilizers. Most of the agriculture is located in the southwest of China. Particularly this region is known for their numerous rivers, so nearly 80% of agriculture is near water.
An example: In July 2007, there was an explosive spread of toxic algae in the water reservoir of Changchun (Northeast China). Pesticides from agriculture caused this.
The phenomenon of algal bloom (“red tide”) is observed regularly in the estuary of the Yangtze, as you can see in the picture below, and some other coastal areas. In 2003, the Ministry of Fisheries reported a total of 119 cases of “red tide”.
An algae bloom in 2004, off the coast Zhejiang is said to covered an area of 10,000 square kilometres.
In June 2006, an algae bloom of even bigger extent was reported. This lead to a fishery collapse, because several tons of fish died of neurotoxin.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the global economic rise of China and outlines the focus on the resulting negative environmental side effects.
2. The economic development of China: Traces China's economic history from 1949, highlighting the shift from an agrarian society to a state-planned industrial economy and eventually to market-oriented reforms.
3. Environmental pollution/changes through the economic boom: Details the catastrophic impact of rapid growth on China's natural resources, focusing on air quality, water contamination, and land degradation.
4. China´s Action plan on Environment and Health (2007-2015): Examines the government's strategic attempts to implement a "green strategy" and circular economy concepts to mitigate environmental damage.
5. Future prospects: Discusses the warnings from high-level officials regarding the unsustainable conflict between rapid growth and environmental preservation.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of balancing economic success with urgent ecological solutions to ensure future stability.
Keywords
China, economic boom, environmental pollution, air pollution, water contamination, deforestation, desertification, sustainable development, industrialization, climate change, red tide, Action plan on Environment and Health, ecological crisis, resource depletion, gross domestic product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this assignment?
This assignment focuses on the environmental consequences of the rapid economic growth in China, examining how industrial expansion has negatively impacted the country's natural resources.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The central themes include historical economic shifts, severe air and water pollution, deforestation, desertification, and the government's response through environmental action plans.
What is the main goal of the research?
The primary goal is to evaluate the link between economic prosperity and environmental degradation, and to assess whether current government plans are sufficient to address these issues.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a descriptive, secondary-research approach, analyzing official reports, statistics, and expert studies on China's environmental and economic status.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body systematically explores the state of China's air, water, and forests, provides an analysis of the "Action plan on Environment and Health," and discusses future environmental outlooks.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include economic boom, environmental pollution, air/water contamination, desertification, and sustainable development.
What are the primary causes of air pollution identified in the text?
The text highlights the reliance on sulfur-rich coal for energy, poor industrial filtration systems, and the rapid growth of private motor vehicle usage as the main drivers.
What does the term "red tide" refer to in the context of the book?
The "red tide" refers to the phenomenon of algal blooms, which are frequently triggered by agricultural runoff and pesticides, leading to fishery collapses and the release of toxins.
How is the government's role described regarding environmental laws?
The author notes that the Chinese government's transparency is limited, making it difficult to find published results on the effectiveness of passed environmental laws.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Johannes Koch (Autor:in), 2013, The Economic Boom in China and its Influence on the Environment, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/432653
