Environmental Issues

China has been the most populous nation on earth and today, the impact its population is
having on the environment is evident even in the most remote locations. The major concern that
it has for the environment is air pollution. This problem started to emerge from the countrys
rapid industrialization. This has made China the worlds largest source of carbon emissions and it
is responsible for a third of the planets greenhouse gas production. The nations staggering size
and its growth has a far greater effect than any other country. The life expectancy in the north of
China has decrease by about 5.5 years due to the air pollution. Coal has been the main culprit in
the degradation of the air quality. Since China is the worlds largest coal producer, it accounts for
almost half of the global consumption. Emissions from coal mines have contributed to a quarter
of a million premature deaths in 2011 according to the article Health impact of Chinas coal
plants. Urban air in China has caused significant health complications like respiratory,
cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. These kinds of environmental depredations pose a
serious threat to Chinas economic growth and costing it 9 percent of its gross national income. It
has also damaged Chinas international standing as the country expands its global influence and
endangered its stability as ruling party faces increasing media inspection. The damage has also
affected Chinas economic prospect as it continues to pursue resources and pump investment into
other countries. Chinas neighbors have also expressed concern over smog affecting their native
populations. They face costly environmental burdens attached with doing business with China.
With all of this being said, China is facing one of the greatest environmental issues and it should
be taken care of as quickly as possible to avoid any further damage.