Local problems leading to global disasters?
For centuries, China has been the most populous nation on Earth. Today, its population's impact on the environment is evident even in the most remote areas.
But with an unprecedented economic boom, these effects are taking very serious proportions. While individual use of resources remains low, the cumulative impact of steady growth in the consumption of over a billion people is tremendous.
This is felt far beyond China’s borders. Logging, fishing and hunting to meet demands of the Chinese market pose threats to biodiversity as far away as Africa. It is estimated that by 2025 the nation will be the world’s leading producer of greenhouse gases.