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Over two centuries of rapid industrialization have left an indelible mark on the human landscape in China. While the increasing number of factories and enormous computer dumps reflect the economic successes of the country, these industrial signs also bear witness to the environmental cost of modernization. This phenomenon not only causes a deterioration of China’s natural resources; it also jeopardizes the health of people who live in affected areas. Although the Chinese government shows signs of willingness to act, financial constraints often impede regulatory efforts, or even bring them to a complete halt. |
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As a result, private citizens are often the ones driving change, but activism comes with its own set of risks. Wu Lihong’s struggle to protect Lake Tai is a prime example. China’s third largest body of water, Lake Tai (Tài Hú) is the heart of farming activity and the principal water source of over two million residents of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Nevertheless, the quality of the water has been deteriorating since the mid-1990s because of the many factories dotting the lakeshore.
In 2000, disgusted by officials’ laissez-faire attitude toward the worsening of Lake Tai, Wu launched a major media campaign. His crusade took him all the way to Beijing, where he demanded that a plan be drafted to protect the lake. Initially his activism was applauded by the Chinese media, environmentalists and the party membership. In 2005, he was declared an “Environmental Warrior” by the National People’s Congress.
However, his campaign against industries in the region quickly turned against him. In August 2007, he was sentenced to over 10 years in prison. The charges against him are vague, to say the least: blackmailing the owner of one of the factories on the lake.
Wu Lihong is just one example of China’s new committed citizens. Unfortunately, their status is often precarious. Although they are congratulated and praised, more often than not they find themselves alone, advancing their causes unaided.
A student of Chinese history, Valérie Nichols now studies law at the University of Hong Kong.
2 responses so far ↓
1 frank yong // Aug 12, 2008 at 12:50 pm
We should also take note that the global North is transferring pollution to China by investing in polluting industries there and dumping its toxic electronic waste in China. The West extends its vast ecological print over developing countries. Accordingly, more than 60 per cent of China’s exports are just produced for Western multinational corporations.
2 Valerie Nichols // Aug 15, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Franck,
You’ve made a fair point. However, it is no excuse for the Chinese government not to take reasonable steps in order to reduce air, water and land pollution.