Time (Asia)
August 22, 2002

‘Government inaction means millions are paying for prosperity with their health.’

(excerpt)

The environmental disaster that has unfolded over the past two weeks in the northeast Chinese city of Harbin has the makings of a great story: explosion at large petrochemical plant releases toxic pollutants into major river, threatening millions; local officials attempt cover-up; panic ensues; wiser voices prevail; corrective action is taken. Unfortunately, the real story remains largely untold. China’s rapid economic development, endemic corruption and highly decentralized political system have produced a life-threatening environmental crisis for hundreds of millions of Chinese. The statistics tell the tale. Earlier this year, China’s Minister of Water Resources announced that 300 million people drink contaminated water on a daily basis. Of these, 190 million consume water so contaminated that it is making them sick. Children are particularly susceptible-more than 30,000 die annually from diarrhea due to unclean water.