21st Annual Student Research Conference
Industrial Pollution in the People's Republic of China
Vin Gee
Dr. Terry Olson, Faculty Mentor
The economy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) has grown at a rapid rate within the past few decades. China is the "troubled modernizer" where the balance of rapid development and environmental protection is delicate. The responsibility is placed upon the government's unwillingness to acknowledge that the environmental effects are not being contained, and action solely for the environment is an unnecessary sacrifice because economic growth takes first priority. Rapid economic growth has resulted in uneven regional development with more emphasis on the coastal areas of China to fuel economic growth rather than the interior because these regions were the most suitable for growth. The mark left on the environment from massive industrialization and the health complications that arise from harmful pollutive byproducts both in the air and water should be a concern for the Chinese people. This research examines the origin, the public policy shortfalls as well as future implications, and the effect of chemically induced illnesses in the People's Republic of China.
Keywords: China, industrial pollution, economic growth, health, environment
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 8-3
Location: OP 2113
Time: 8:45