Combating Chinese Pollution: Global Action For A Greener Future

In recent years, China has seen a rise in environmental protests, with citizens taking to the streets or the internet to express their anger and frustration over air, water, and soil pollution. These protests have been met with varying degrees of success, with some resulting in the suspension or cancellation of polluting projects, while others have been quickly broken up by police or censored by the government. While the Chinese government has vowed to address environmental issues and create an ecological civilization, it has also been criticized for suppressing dissent and controlling the narrative around environmental campaigns. The US has also been implicated in some of these controversies, with reports of pro-China activists harassing and silencing protesters demonstrating against Beijing's policies during Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to San Francisco.

Supporting local protests

• Social Media and Online Platforms: Social media and the internet have played a crucial role in spreading information about local protests in China. Platforms like Weibo and WeChat have been used to share details, images, and videos of protests, helping to garner support and raise awareness. Utilizing these platforms can be an effective way to show solidarity with local protesters and amplify their voices.
• Participate in Protests: Joining local protests in person can be a powerful way to show support. Protests that attract a large number of participants are more likely to be successful in achieving their goals. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved, as the Chinese authorities have been known to break up protests and detain participants.
• Legal and Financial Support: Offering legal and financial assistance to local protesters can be crucial. Protests often require resources for organizing, travel, and other expenses. Providing financial support or connecting protesters with pro-bono legal services can help sustain their efforts.
• International Solidarity: Building international solidarity for local protests can put pressure on the Chinese government to address environmental concerns. Engaging with international media, human rights organizations, and environmental groups can help bring attention to the issues and protect protesters from potential retaliation.
• Community Engagement: Local protests are often more successful when they have the support of the wider community. Engaging with community members, raising awareness about the issues, and encouraging participation can help build a stronger movement. It is important to frame the environmental issues in a way that resonates with the community and highlights the potential impact on their health and well-being.
• Collaboration with NGOs: Collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can provide additional resources and expertise to support local protests. However, it is important to note that the Chinese government has tightened restrictions on domestic and foreign NGOs operating in the country. Discretion and caution are necessary when working with these organizations.

Spreading awareness on social media

Social media has become a powerful tool for civic action and spreading awareness about environmental issues in China. Here are some ways to use social media to protest Chinese pollution and spread awareness:

Highlight Environmental Transgressions:

According to a US-led study, popular social media posts that highlight and expose environmental violations and transgressions by industries and authorities can help reduce such incidents. These could include sharing videos, images, and personal accounts of the negative impacts of pollution, as well as specific instances of regulatory failures or industry non-compliance. This tactic has proven effective in China, with research indicating a significant reduction in environmental violations as a result of public social media posts.

Leverage Hashtags and Memes:

Hashtags and memes can be powerful tools to spread awareness, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain traction for your cause. They can help your message reach a wider audience, including those who may not be actively searching for such content. During the Shifang protests in 2012, for example, a popular internet meme emerged based on a photograph of a police officer chasing protesters. This meme was widely shared and photoshopped into various scenes, serving as a barometer of public sentiment and resentment toward authority figures.

Share Personal Stories and Experiences:

Sharing personal stories and experiences related to pollution can be a compelling way to spread awareness and garner support for your cause. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in China, for instance, residents of locked-down cities like Xi'An and Shanghai took to social media to share their grievances and experiences. They posted about their difficulties in accessing basic necessities, their fears, and their frustrations with the government's handling of the situation. This helped attract attention to their hardships and sparked discussions about the human cost of certain policies.

Collaborate with Influencers and NGOs:

Partnering with social media influencers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can significantly expand your reach and credibility. Influencers with large followings can help spread your message to a wider audience, while NGOs can provide expertise, resources, and a network of supporters. For example, during the Shanghai lockdown, social media influencers played a crucial role in sharing information and expressing grievances. Additionally, organizations like Greenpeace China have broken news about environmental scandals, prompting government action.

Utilize Multiple Platforms:

Don't rely on just one social media platform. Diversify your efforts by using multiple platforms to reach different audiences and maximize your impact. For instance, during the 2022 protests in China, information was shared on platforms like Weibo and WeChat within the country, while Twitter played a critical role in spreading news and information to the rest of the world. Each platform has its own strengths and user base, so tailoring your message to fit each platform can increase your reach and engagement.

Engage with your Audience:

Social media is a two-way communication tool, so be sure to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, messages, and inquiries. This helps build a community and fosters a sense of inclusion and investment in your cause. Additionally, engaging with your followers can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can shape and strengthen your message.

Lobbying the Chinese government

Emphasize Environmental Concerns as a Common Goal:

Recognize that the Chinese government, particularly under President Xi Jinping, has expressed a commitment to addressing environmental issues. Xi has pledged to create an "ecological civilization," enforce environmental laws, and tackle air, water, and soil pollution. Frame lobbying efforts around supporting and holding the government accountable to these goals.

Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms:

Social media and the internet have played a crucial role in environmental activism in China. Incidents like the Shifang protest in 2012 gained widespread attention due to images and videos circulated on microblogs and social networking sites. Online platforms provide a space for information sharing, organizing, and building public support for environmental causes.

Engage with Chinese Youth and Student Activists:

The participation of young people, particularly students, in environmental protests is a notable development in China. The Shifang protest, for instance, was largely led and organized by students. Engaging and collaborating with Chinese youth and student activist groups can help amplify lobbying efforts and exert pressure on the government.

Collaborate with Domestic Environmental NGOs:

Despite facing tight restrictions, there are domestic environmental NGOs in China that are working to address pollution. Groups like Greenpeace China and the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs have been instrumental in exposing environmental scandals and advocating for change. Collaborating with and supporting these organizations can help strengthen lobbying efforts.

International Cooperation and Pressure:

International pressure and cooperation can play a role in lobbying the Chinese government. Incidents like the protests during Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to San Francisco gained global attention and prompted responses from U.S. officials. Additionally, the Paris Climate Agreement, which China is a signatory to, provides an opportunity for international collaboration and accountability on environmental issues.

Emphasize Economic and Social Costs of Pollution:

When lobbying the Chinese government, it is essential to highlight the economic and social costs of pollution. Frame arguments around how pollution affects China's economic development, public health, and social stability. For example, the scandal at an elite high school near Shanghai, where students suffered health issues due to pollution, is a powerful illustration of the societal impact of environmental degradation.

International pressure and sanctions

United States Sanctions:

The US has a history of imposing sanctions on China, especially in response to human rights abuses and national security concerns. Since 2020, the US has targeted Chinese government officials and companies linked to human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, as well as those supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce administer and enforce these sanctions, restricting the ability of certain Chinese entities to do business with US companies. Notably, the US banned Huawei and ZTE equipment from use in its federal government, and President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting US investments in certain key technologies in China, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

World Bank Reports and Pressure:

The World Bank has played a role in bringing attention to China's pollution issues and exerting pressure for change. In 1997, the World Bank reported on the severe health impacts of industrial air pollution in China, which caused hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and respiratory illnesses. In 2007, a joint report by the World Bank and China's national environmental agency estimated that outdoor and indoor air pollution, as well as water pollution, were causing up to 760,000 premature deaths annually in China. This report led to increased environmental reforms and China's commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

Greenpeace Activism:

Greenpeace East Asia has been active in pushing for environmental reforms in China. They exposed the environmental scandal of a large open-pit coal mine damaging a nature reserve, which led to the ousting of local officials and a cleanup campaign. Additionally, Greenpeace campaigns involving celebrities have prompted government action, such as the ivory ban to protect elephants and the crackdown on the illegal trade in wildlife. Greenpeace continues to monitor and advocate for further reforms, holding the Chinese government accountable to its commitments.

Other International Pressure:

China's pollution has also drawn international attention and pressure from other countries and organizations. For example, the US Embassy in Beijing regularly posts air quality measurements, bringing attention to the issue. Additionally, China's pollution has spread internationally, with acid rain falling as far as Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo, and even Los Angeles in the US. This transboundary impact has raised concerns and led to calls for China to address its pollution issues more aggressively.

Supporting independent media

• Encourage and amplify independent voices: Support and promote independent journalists, bloggers, and activists who are reporting on environmental issues in China. Share their work on social media platforms and help amplify their reach. This can include translating their work into other languages to reach a wider global audience.
• Provide platforms for independent media: Offer platforms and resources for independent media outlets to publish their work. This could include online publications, blogs, or social media accounts dedicated to environmental issues in China.
• Protect journalists and activists: Speak up against the censorship, arrest, or harassment of journalists and activists who are reporting on Chinese pollution. Advocate for their safety and rights to freedom of speech and expression.
• Collaborate with foreign media: Encourage collaboration between Chinese independent media and foreign media organizations to increase the reach and impact of their reporting. This can include partnerships with international news outlets, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or environmental groups.
• Utilize social media campaigns: Launch and support social media campaigns that highlight environmental transgressions in China. This strategy has been shown to effectively pressure regulators into taking action and reducing violations.
• Support investigative journalism: Fund and promote investigative journalism initiatives focused on environmental issues in China. This includes supporting local and foreign journalists in conducting in-depth research and exposing pollution and corruption.

By supporting independent media, we can help bring attention to environmental concerns in China, hold regulators and polluters accountable, and ultimately contribute to the country's efforts to create a more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions