Teaching Comparative

The Feedback Loop

Looking for an example of feedback in a system of policy making? How about this example from China in which the results of pursuing a policy of industrial development include life-threatening pollution as well as jobs and prosperity. It was reported by the BBC.


Third of China 'hit by acid rain'

"One third of China is suffering from acid rain caused by rapid industrial growth, an official report quoted by the state media says.

"Pollution levels have risen and air quality has deteriorated, the report found. This comes despite a pledge by the authorities to clean up the air...

"The pollution inspection report to the standing committee of parliament found that 25.5 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide were spewed out, mainly from the country's coal-burning factories last year - up 27% from 2000.

"Emissions of sulphur dioxide - the chemical that causes acid rain - were double the safe level, the report said. In some areas, rainfall was 100% acid rain, it added.

"'Increased sulphur dioxide emissions meant that one-third of China's territory was affected by acid rain, posing a major threat to soil and food safety,' Sheng Huaren of the standing committee, was quoted by state media as saying...

"'It is especially worrying that most local governments base economic growth on energy consuming industries, disregarding the environment's capacity to sustain industrial expansion,' Mr Sheng said.

"His report echoes the findings from the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) released earlier this month.
In July, China announced it planned to spend 1.4 trillion yuan ($175bn) over the next five years on protecting its environment.

"The sum - equivalent to 1.5% of China's annual economic output - will be used to improve water quality, and cut air and land pollution and soil erosion..."

posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:54 PM