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PollutionInternational Reputation v. Real

Peter & Nicole

With Support From: Kris, Eric, & Ned

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Overview

Types of pollutionWhy the problem is so bad

Actions takenPersonal reflectionsConclusions

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What is pollution?

Traditional definition Fouling of air, water, or land, by human

wasteMore recently Noise, thermal, and visual pollution

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Air Pollution

Most obvious form Caused by

automobiles and

burning of fossilfuels in generatingstations andfactories Government

encouraged heavyindustrialdevelopment in

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Water Pollution

Caused by toxic runoff fromunregulated industrial areas and

farmsFears of future water shortage China has 21% of worlds population with

7% of worlds water

Stricter water guidelines, waterconservation, alternative sources ofwater, and network of canals

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Land Pollution

Caused by toxic runoff, heavy metals,and solid waste

Land pollution has damaged 10% ofChinas arable land (10 millionhectares) Heavy metal pollution can be attributed

for $2.5 billion in grain loses per yearPresents problems relating to Chinas

ecology, food safety, health, and

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Noise, Thermal, and VisualPollution

Noise: any soundgenerated byroadways, aircrafts,or industrial that isloud enough tocause psychologicalor physical damage

Thermal: anytemperature change

that is great enoughto change the livinghabits of wildlife

Visual: power lines,billboards, litter, and

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Why is pollution so bad inChina?

Local officials pursue economicdevelopment and financial gain with

no consideration for environmentalimpactsthe failure to abide by the law, lax

law enforcement, and allowing

lawbreakers to go free are stillserious problems in many places Zhou Shengxian, environmental

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Why is pollution so bad inChina?

Majority of technology designed in the

1970s

Inefficient waterworks system wastes 30%of waterPrimary source of power is coal

(21,000 mines) China uses more then Europe, Japan, and

U.S. combined (3.2 billion tons per year)

Emits worlds highest level of sulfur dioxide

& mercur

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Action: 5-year plan

Actions taken

November 2007 China

announces $500 billion5-year program Emphasizes fines,

local governmentmonitors, and

greenhouse gascontrols

Progress needs to bereported every 6months

criticism

Sum is not an increase

over last 5-year plan Minimum of $740billion needed to makesubstantial progress

No details given how

reports andrequirements would becarried out

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Action: Plastic Bag Ban

Actions taken

Starting June 1, 2008,

production of ultra-thinplastic bags banned &stores forbidden tohand out free bags

Plastic bags create

litter and wasteresources

criticism

Store owners claim the

mandate will driveaway business Citizens complain they

are being forced tocarry the

governments burden

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Action: Beijing 2008Ol m ics

Actions taken

Factories shut down or

moved outside the city Promote buses andsubways to get carsoff the road

Construction of new,

green buildings;such as the Bird NestStadium, the Cube,and the new CCTVbuildin

Criticism / concerns

Olympic chief talked of

postponing longendurance events toprotect athletes

Athletes debatedwearing masks while

competing or trainingin special rooms

During training trips toBeijing, foreignathletes com lain of

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Personal Reflections

Chinese have different philosophicalviews on environment, we view the

harmony between nature andhumans as the most importantprinciple. But actually most of us arenot philosophers. Winjacks

My home village is sufferingpollution cause by nearby industrialplants, and the water of the rivers is

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Personal Reflections

I want to say that every country hascome through this way. There is

nothing perfect as it comes intobeing WangA beautiful, modernized, positive,

energetic Beijing will be showed to

people from all over the world Weiin reference to the Olympic cleanup

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Conclusions

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Conclusions

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Conclusions

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Conclusions

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PollutionInternational Reputation v. Real

Peter & NicoleWith Support From: Kris, Eric, & Ned