Comments: Can China Go and Stay Green?

"Many people still hope that the path followed by developed countries (pollute first, control later) will work for China,"

I found this passage particularly interesting - it's true that massive pollution and environmental destruction occurred as presently developed countries were developing.. but it's our loss really. Here in the North Island of New Zealand we have lost about 99% of our lowland forests- yet we could have preserved significant tracts for recreational and ecosystem service values without compromising economic growth. Beyond this, if we had preserved large areas of lowland forests they would probably now be economic assets as tourist attractions.

China has so much to lose if it continues along this path of unsustainable development. I hope they can learn from the mistakes we in the developed world made during our own periods of development.

Nick

The article is interesting and Nick's comment above because they highlight the great need for China to take heed and think about the consequences of their actions in a more sustainable way.

As a westerner who lives in China it is often hard to deal with the lack of environmental protection that is so evident. However, there are people making changes and although the article seems to focus on top down approaches to tackling the issues I believe that bottom up initiatives should not be underestimated for their impact and ability to help change perspectives.

For example, I work in the tourism industry, which as many others, contributes heavily to the environmental issues facing China. Like other industries it is also not well regulated but certain businesses have started to take notice and implement their own sustainable initiatives. In particular a <strong><a href=”http://www.yangshuomountainretreat.com”> Yangshuo Hotel</a></strong> is helping to alter attitudes and perspectives in the tourism industry through its sustainable business practices. The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat located on the pristine banks of the Yu Long River in one of China's most beautiful landscapes (just look on the back of a Chinese 20 RMB note) has operated with sustainable practices for 7 years. They reached the finals of the Virgin Holidays Sustainable Tourism Awards in 2007 and have been nominated for the Conde Nast World Saver Awards for 2008. They offer an eco alternative for the travellers that descend in their thousands on Yangshuo every year.

Another similar initiative Tcalled the Wenhai ecolodge is located in Yunnan Province. It is a small lodge owned by a cooperative of local farmers in the mountains. Although it takes a long time to trek to the lodge as it is inaccessible by roads the location and scenery is stunning. The lodge was built on firm ecotourism principles and helps support part of the local community helping to illustrate to the locals that looking after the land can help increase their living standards as well.

The future for China not only lies in sound environmental policies being enforced through central and provincial governments but also in the smaller players that often have more direct contact with their customers. Whether it be in the tourism industry or manufacturing sectors if westerners are willing to spend their money on more sustainable initiatives demonstrating that eco is lucrative more Chinese businesses will move themselves towards more sustainable operations.

Ben Hodgson

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