This week arguments have been highlighted within a BBC news report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7347638.stm), whereby in China they believe they should not need to reduce pollution, as pollution shouldn’t be counted per nation but per head. As China has a large population their argument is that they do not need to cut back on luxuries as although the west is producing less pollution and emissions, their emissions per head are 3 times that of Chinas.
So should China be allowed to indulge in ‘luxuries’ such as washing machines because of their population size? Personally I think no. Yes it sounds mean not allowing other countries to have the same amenities as us, but they’re the ones adding to this ever increasing environmental problem. Why should the Chinese population be allowed to wash their clothes in a washing machine and have air conditioning units when the whole world are then suffering from the air pollution caused. I don’t see why their ambitions are changing our world and if they live as we do, it could potentially result in the world heating up and the spread of air pollution related health problems.
I no its easy for me to say sat here in my clothes that have been washed and dried in a machine and using a laptop which together aren’t exactly helping the environment, but as a country England is, as well as many other nations, reducing its emissions in other ways such as using natural energy. This is unlike China, who despite setting targets and implementing long term methods are still opening 2 coal powered power stations every two weeks to provide its luxuries resulting inbeing the top polluters globally.
Therefore I’m not saying that we are a better, greener nation therefore we should be allowed luxuries, I’m saying that something needs to be done in China, and if it’s them not having luxuries then so be it.
References
BBC (2008) The extent of China's smog problem. News report. BBC news.
