A collapsing Natural Environment? By Su Xiaokang and Perry Link

Introduction

China’s question for development is amiable yet their actions are counterproductive to their primal goal of social progression. The nation of China is founded on a systematic government that seeks to implement development measures to achieve wealth and prosperity even at the cost of the lives of its citizens. The policies implemented by the government and business entrepreneurs often neglect the basic rights of citizens as factories and transport systems are built in respective of the inhabitants of the land and the repercussion that would arise form such dire human neglect. The article “A collapsing natural environment?” by Su Xiaokang and Perry Link provides comprehensive analysis of the scope of natural degradation that both the ecosystem and people of china are subjected to by insensitive governmental policies.

Factors that contribute to a collapsed natural environment in China

The desire to become a prosperous and powerful nation could be considered the catalyst behind China’s government’s brute ambition. How else could one perceive the construction of South Shanghai Station toward the Rainbow Bridge were citizens live exposing them to possible radiation. Despite the health protest from citizens of that area the government pursued its goal to construct the railway station despite risking the ecosystem of Dianpu river section. In 1990 Zhuanghe a coastal city with an estimated population of 900,000 which supports itself through fishing activities were exposed to tidal flats which had begun to draw back as result of red tides of phosphate and nitrogen encroached, this affected severely the outcome of seafood harvest in the area. Despite massive protest by residents the government has done little to avert the current problem in Zhuanghe. The high rate of environmental pollution has aggrieved Chinese citizens who are constantly protesting against their government’s inconsiderate actions and policies. In 2009 the Chinese government still approves the manufacturing and production super-poisonous chemicals ‘paraxlyene’ that leave Chinese citizens in (Dalian) susceptible to deadly diseases like leukemia and infant deformities. Citizens who protested the production of these deadly chemicals were met with brute force of the authorities who tried to refrain the protestors from seeking their legal rights. The utter disrespect of the natural ecosystem has contributed to diverse environmental problems which include: clean water shortage, food scarcity, health ailments and environmental and marine degradation leading to loss of marine wildlife.

The elite in china live a more affluent and productive life that is devoid of natural calamities as they meticulously ensure their environment is guarded against ineffective practices. They have secured their land and produce quality foods that are free of poisonous chemical or radiation. Despite, having a rich cultural heritage that emphasizes on the natural respect for the ecosystem and the importance of social cohesion, today’s culture has abandoned the age-old tradition and embraced a more westernized culture that seeks to acquire wealth regardless of the overall consequences. The poor are often oppressed and even colonized to some level. Their land is taken from them with the aim of building factories which emit poisonous gases and chemicals that pollute the air and environment causing the land to become less productive and uninhabitable. The government enforces it plans with aggression even against the protests of its citizens who are often arrested for trying to defend their way of life. The economic developments and goals of the Chinese government have been achieved at the cost of the nation’s natural environment and the health of human lives in most cities in China.

Conclusion

The lives of Chinese government can be likened to a case of servant who has become a tyrant controlling every aspect of life with impunity. Nature is considered the most unforgiving force in the planet as it is known for mercilessly reimbursements its debtors for their investment. The level of natural degradation in china cities has led to unpredicted weather patterns, loss of marine life and even food shortage causing underprivileged citizen’s untold suffering in their daily lives. Despite the Chinese government authoritative form of leadership its vital for the Chinese people to realize that ‘power can be halted by authority’ they should take up a more proactive role in ensuring they protect their lands even from the government.