China conceals critical environmental report amid fears of contaminated air, water, and soil
Chinese authorities recently obscured a fresh report on the country's environmental state. Over the course of six years, more than 200,000 samples of air, water, soil, and agricultural products were scrutinized. The Ministry of Environment declared the report a state secret not long after it had been made public.
9:22 AM EST, February 26, 2024
Independent geologists assert that up to 90% of groundwater in Chinese cities is contaminated, and 60% of it is in a critical state. Air pollution levels in Beijing and other areas of China often breach safe limits. Reports of discolored river water, turning yellow, green, or even red, is noted by the media.
The Ministry of Environment in Beijing has finally acknowledged that persistent pollution has caused entire villages in China to suffer from cancer. Residents of towns close to industrial centers are particularly affected by tumors. In such locations, factories are known to dump toxic waste into local water bodies. Such oversight, mainly favoring economic growth, is a customary approach of the Chinese government.
Massive air pollution in Beijing has provoked indignation. In addition, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has indicated that China's capital has become nearly inhospitable for humans. If conditions do not improve, evacuation of populous areas could become necessary.
