China Pollution

By Joannaline Casasola Young

Too many years without clean air

Recently I have come across shocking photos, by photographer Lu Guang, of the current state of China. These human beings seem to be living on a different planet where the waters are yellow and the skies are black. The United State’s dependence of cheap Chinese goods have created this environmental issue. I recall one comedian’s set included a reference to how the United States should be renamed “Made in China”. Very funny “joke” and very true. Legislation on consuming from local markets and fair trade products is one way we may help the situation. Many Chinese imports are made by cheap labor, often done by young children (as seen in the photos). I couldn’t help but feel reverence for this cherub face covered in ash. One photo that especially struck me was the man who could not sleep on his back because of sores. This shows that even when they’re resting, they are still suffering. In the United States, we see the elders in retirement going on luxurious vacations. However, in China, they are just sitting in a dark polluted room awaiting death. Most of the photos are of the toll China’s pollution takes on children, many born deformed or with mental disabilities. These children are born into a country that just sees them as another burden of China’s growing population crisis. Since the images are more powerful than anything I could ever write, please follow this link:

http://www.chinahush.com/2009/10/21/amazing-pictures-pollution-in-china/

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