Sustainable China

Learning objectives To know the impact development is having on the environment in China. To know the global environmental impact of rapid development in China. P4 – consider a range of possibilities.

Starter What waste is produced in 1. Cities 2. Countryside? What might be happening to that waste? Watch this short BBC News video clip Polluted farmland and citiesBBC News video clip Polluted farmland and cities

Look at the following photos and the selection of environmental news reports What are the types of environmental damage and the range of causes? What are the health, environmental and economic impacts?

CHINA – POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

Role play In groups of five/six you need to write and perform a script which is a debate between the following parties about the environmental problems that China is facing. The following ideas might help! Jilin Coal Company – burning coal for the production of electricity is essential for China’s economic growth. The power station also provides a source of employment for hundreds of people Chinese Government Official – he/she want what is best for the country Chinese Environmental Activist – loss of habitats – lakes and forests, wider implications e.g. acid rain and global warming Chinese Ministry of Public Health – has concerns as people have suffered diseases caused by drinking polluted water for example. Rural resident – farm land is polluted posing a threat to food production City resident – his son/daughter is having to clear soot, dirt and grime away from the school gates every morning.

Plenary Although we know in the rich countries that our cars, our factories, our power stations and our homes produce greenhouse gases that increase the risk of ‘global warming' and ‘global climate change', we carry on producing these gases. Should rich countries such as the UK and the USA set a better example to the newly developing countries such as China? Write a letter to the UK Minister for the Environment explaining your opinion on this matter.