Tackling Environmental Problems in China

When thousands of Chinese citizens rioted to protest environmental abuses in the village of Huaxi, in Zhejiang Province in southeastern China, it drew global attention to China`s growing environmental challenges. The villagers were sharing their frustration after trying in vain to curb pollution from chemical plants in a nearby industrial park.

Jingjing Zhang speaks with residents of Xiping Village, Fujian Province

Jingjing Zhang, an attorney at the Center for Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims in Beijing, recently traveled to Huaxi to investigate the community`s claims. E-LAW U.S. has pledged to support Jingjing in this and other pioneering efforts to protect the environment and public health in China.

Jingjing visited E-LAW U.S. in April while in the U.S. on a program with The National Committee on United States-China Relations. She worked with E-LAW U.S. staff lawyers and scientists on her current cases and sought advice on launching China`s first public interest environmental law firm, which she will direct.

China`s environmental problems are daunting. Home to one-fifth of the world`s population, analysts expect China will surpass the U.S. and become the world`s largest emitter of greenhouse gases by mid-century.

Jingjing says the most troubling issue facing her nation is the conflict between development and environmental protection. Local governments want to attract investors, but industrial development is spewing toxic waste into local rivers and adding to already alarming levels of air pollution.

"Ignored for decades, even centuries, China`s environmental problems have the potential to bring the country to its knees economically," writes Elizabeth Economy, author of "The River Runs Black," a new book on China`s pollution.

Although the challenge is daunting, Jingjing feels optimistic. "Others like me, who were university students ten years ago, are moving into positions of responsibility. There is more freedom to talk and say what we think."

As lead attorney at the Center for Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims, Jingjing currently represents 1,643 farmers in Xiping Village, Fujian Province, who are suffering from toxic releases of chromium and chlorine from a nearby chlorate plant. Polluted waterways have decimated rice paddies and bamboo groves. Residents petitioned a local court seeking compensation and a halt to the pollution. Court hearings began in July 2003 and the case is still pending.

While in Eugene, Jingjing worked with E-LAW U.S. staff on this case and a new initiative to produce China`s first guide to public participation.

E-LAW U.S. is inspired by Jingjing`s pioneering work and eager to collaborate with her as she takes on environmental challenges in China.