Environmental Issues in China

Adam Green
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers China's environmental challenges, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing factors like coal dependence and rapid industrialization. It also examines China's environmental efforts, such as investments in renewable energy and the carbon trading system, and specific programs like the "One Belt, One Road" and "Made in China 2025" initiatives. Finally, it provides exam tips, practice questions, and focuses on key topics for the AP Chinese exam.
#AP Chinese Environmental Study Guide ๐
Hey there! Let's get you feeling super confident for your AP Chinese exam tomorrow. We're going to break down China's environmental issues and solutions in a way that's easy to remember and apply. Let's do this! ๐ช
#1. Environmental Challenges in China
#1.1 Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions ๐ญ
China is a major player on the global stage, and that includes its impact on the environment. Hereโs the lowdown:
- Largest emitter: China is the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases, accounting for about 28% of global emissions in 2020. ๐ฎ
- Rapid Growth: Decades of rapid economic growth have led to increased industrialization and urbanization.
- This means more factories, more cars, and more energy consumption.
- Coal Dependence: China relies heavily on coal for energy, which releases a lot of pollutants and CO2. - Weak Regulations: Historically, environmental regulations haven't been as strong as in other countries.
- Urbanization: Millions moving to cities have increased traffic and energy use.
- Industrialization: Industries like cement, steel, and chemicals are big sources of emissions.
Key Point: It's a combination of rapid growth, coal use, and industrialization that has led to high pollution levels.
#1.2 Contributing Factors
Here's a quick recap of what's driving China's environmental challenges:
- Rapid Economic Growth: Increased industrialization and urbanization.
- Dependence on Coal: Primary energy source, releasing pollutants.
- Weak Environmental Regulations: Historically, less strict enforcement.
- Rapid Urbanization: Increased traffic and transportation emissions.
- Industrialization: Heavy industries contribute significantly to emissions.
- High Energy Consumption: Especially in industrial sectors.
Mnemonic: Rapid Development With Reliance In Heavy Coal. (Remember the first letter of each point!) - Rapid growth, Dependence, Weak regulations, Rapid urbanization, Industrialization, High energy, Coal
#2. China's Environmental Effort...

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