Lead poisons more than 600 and other environmental news
Posted June 17, 2011 in Greening China
NRDC has been working in China for fifteen years on such issues as climate, energy efficiency, green buildings, clean energy, governance and law, health, and green supply chain issues. This China Environmental News Alert is a weekly compilation of news from around the world on China and the environment.
June 11, 2011- June 17, 2011
Lead poisons more than 600 people
China Daily (Jun 13, 2011)
Over 600 residents of eastern China’s Zhejiang Province have been diagnosed with lead poisoning after an investigation of numerous tin foil manufacturing workshops. A large majority of those afflicted were found to be children, with government bureaus reporting no signs of contamination in local air, water, or soil samples. China has no adopted standards regulating the use of lead in tin foil manufacturing.
Pollution apology fails to calm public anger
China Daily (June 13, 2011)
Harbin Pharmaceutical Group made a public apology on nationally televised CCTV after reports of poisoned workers surfaced due to severe pollution. The head of the company offered his sincere apologies, stating that, “The group would like to accept any penalties for our wrongdoing to the local environment.” However, local affected populations have not been placated in the situation.
Ministry allocates fund to inspect environmental emergencies
Xinhua (June 13, 2011)
China’s Ministry of Finance announced that it will be allocating $29.3 million to examine environmental emergencies in various provinces. This comes at the heels of numerous environmental catastrophes, with seven incidents of heavy metal pollution being reported in the first five months of this year alone.
Chinese banks may provide $10 billion to build solar equipment in Europe
Bloomberg (June 16, 2011)
Two Chinese banks have been reported to have provided $10 billion in funding to three Chinese solar equipment producers to build various projects across Europe. The three companies plan to use Chinese manufacture modules in the projects, and are banking on gradual nuclear powered phase out programs to account for a hike in demand for solar energy.
Central China prepares for more flooding
Global Times (June 14, 2011)
After recent floods in central and southern China killed dozens and left hundreds of citizens displaced, officials are warning the region of continued flooding in weeks to come. Direct economic losses have already been tallied to $1.1 billion as local residents brace themselves for more rainfall. The situation has only been exasperated by deadly mudslides.
China to invest $5.6b on Yangtze waterway
China Daily (June 13, 2011)
China will spend over $5.6 billion dollars over the next five years rebuilding and revamping portions of the Yangtze River waterway. The money will be invested in building waterways on the various branches of the river, as well as renovating support systems and docks to improve the river’s transportation infrastructure.
Large amount of green algae approaching east coast
Xinhua (June 14, 2011)
A large expanse of green algae has been spotted moving towards China’s eastern coastline. While not poisonous, the algae is characterized by choking off oxygen supplies to local marine life. The bloom is said to cover 130 square kilometers, and is reminiscent of the Olympics algae occurrence of 2008.
(CENA prepared by Phillip Yang)
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