Welcome to Nature Guide
State Of Nature Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
It is Human Nature to Progress: Consider China
from:It is human nature to want to succeed economically. As human history has evolved, economic development has been increasingly linked to building and manufacturing which has led to increased pollution and decreased open space.
So, while we continue to follow our human nature and to develop and succeed economically, it is important that we be mindful of our impact on the environment and on our own health.
21st Century China
Right now China is establishing itself as an economic and major power at an impressive rate of speed. Yet, with its rapid gains has come an alarming rate of pollution.
Like all people, it is in the human nature of the Chinese people to want to succeed. However, there are reports that their own economic success is very dependent on coal. Coal is a major pollutant with toxic qualities. China’s own Ministry of Health reports that pollution has made cancer China’s number one cause of death. It is estimated that only 1 percent of the 560 million city residents in China breathe safe air.
China may be in the rather unfortunate position of having its industrial revolution after Britain, the United States, Japan and other countries. Countries like the United States were certainly heavier polluters during the time that they were climbing toward an industrialized society. Then, true to human nature, once success was obtained, the countries began to be more concerned about the mistakes they had made along the way including pollution and the effect on the environment. Now, countries like the United States are critical of China and its pollution as China takes its place in the industrialized world.
Another part of human nature that is contributing to China’s environmental problems is that each person wants what is best for himself or herself without sacrificing for the greater common good. For example, automobile ownership in China is exploding. Few people, in China and elsewhere, seem to be willing to give up their own car. However, many complain about the cumulative effects of car ownership including the problems associated with harvesting oil and gas and with the pollution caused by using automobiles.
It is feared that China’s dependence on fossil fuels is ultimately tied to its economic success. If China was to fail economically then that could bring about a whole new set of problems. So, while no one is suggesting that China change the course of human nature and retreat back to an age of less industrialization, many are suggesting that China find a way to meet its goals without destroying the environment for present and future generations.
State Of Nature News
Nature Conservancy Launches 'Natural Treasures of Ohio' Challenge, Inviting Residents to Visit the State's Natural Areas
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Honda of America Mfg., Inc. launched their highly anticipated summer challenge, Natural Treasures of Ohio , giving ...
Read more...Fitch Affirms Arc of San Diego (CA) COPs at 'BBB-'; Outlook Negative
Fitch Ratings has affirmed its 'BBB-' rating on $12.6 million of certificates of participation issued by San Diego County on behalf of Arc of San Diego .
Read more...Cummins Falls, Tennessee's new state park, is safer venue for nature lovers
Marilyn Ewen of Brentwood takes a photo of Cummins Falls. Tennessee's newest state park was dedicated on Tuesday. / Shelley Mays / The Tennessean Gov. Bill Haslam announces the opening of Cummins Falls as Tennessee's newest state park.
Read more...Elma’s Alexis Keating tied for lead in her bid for second state golf championship
Mother Nature was an unwelcome visitor on the golf course for most of Tuesday.
Read more...Kent State’s all-time hits leader Jimmy Rider helps to lead Flashes into MAC Tournament
KENT: As the son of a baseball coach, Kent State’s Jimmy Rider has been around the game most of his life.
Read more...