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July 2003
China: Environmental Issues
Introduction
China's gradual transition to a market
economy, which has been proceeding for two
decades, has put China among the world's
fastest growing economies. While economic
growth has increased es and improved
health indicators, as well as reduced overall
poverty levels, growth has not been totally
benign. Environmental pollution from coal
combustion is damaging human health, air and
water quality, agriculture and ultimately the
economy.
New laws prehensive
regulations have begun to curb this
environmental damage. On the national level,
policies are formulated by the State
Environmental Protection Administration
(SEPA) and approved by the State Council.
The role of SEPA, which was established in
1998, is to disseminate national environmental
policy and regulations, collect data and
provide technological advice on both national
and international environmental issues.
Despite government efforts, however, concentrations of most pollutants remain high. In June 2002,
China enacted the Cleaner Production Promotion Law, which established demonstration programs
for pollution remediation in ten major Chinese cities, and designated s