After all, China is the second largest producer of greenhouse gases and could overtake the United States as early as 2010. It's already the leader in sulfur emissions. Rapid economic growth will soon double energy use per capita, requiring a multiple increase in coal burning. And that's in a nation with 21 percent of the world's people, which now ranks as the world's largest producer of household appliances and wants every family to own a car. China's six largest cities are among the world's most polluted.
Acid rain ruins crops on nearly one-third of China's land and then floats east to Japan and beyond.
A large aerosol haze hangs over much of China, filtering sunlight to plants. A decade ago, China declared that it didn't need to curb emissions until it was a rich nation. A clear sign of new thinking in Beijing was a decision to close the capital's factories last October during the 50th anniversary of Communist China's founding. It was a historic breath of fresh air for city residents. And starting this year, unleaded gasoline will be required in major cities.