In an ironic twist, one of our Earth’s smallest countries is currently experiencing some of the biggest environmental threats.
With the recent rapid population growth in China, the country’s own inhabitants are polluting the land, the water and the air – all to excessive levels. To provide a mental picture, envision an overflowing trash can … there is only so much room inside the receptacle so all the garbage does not fit. Garbage is often carelessly strewn about on the ground instead where passers-by are placed at risk.
The problems in China cannot be understated. Cancer runs rampant due to the increased pollution; the country’s death toll has significantly risen due to this condition. Safe drinking water is scarce; reports state that nearly 500 million people are going thirsty or drinking unsuitable water. In addition, China wears the dubious crown of world leader in regards to producing sulfur dioxide pollution on a global scale. Should things remain true to course, the potential outcome here is most unpleasant to think about.
The good news is that the Chinese are aware of their environmental issues and the impending impact. One must realize an existing or prospective problem before suggesting an answer. As one possible solution, the Chinese have begun a grand engineering project. Here, water from the Yangtze River will be transferred to the starved Yellow River through canals. However, when you pour water from one full glass to an empty glass, the first glass becomes empty.
A country relies on its people to grow and develop the land; however, far too many people living in one area is proving to be more of a huge detriment. Either the Chinese population must be better controlled or more effective measures must be introduced in regards to providing power, discarding waste and limiting pollution. Without rapid action, the Chinese problem may well become a worldwide problem.
