The environment of China (Chinese: 中国的环境)
comprises diverse biotas, climates, and geologies.
Rapid industrialization, population growth,
and lax environmental oversight have caused
many environmental issues and large-scale
pollution.
== Geology ==
China is the 4th largest country by area,
so it is geologically a diverse country.
The geology of China can be divided into several
parts, the loess plateau, the alluvial East
China plains, mountainous regions south of
the Yangzi River, and others.
== Biota ==
=== Wildlife ===
China is home to a diverse landscape of wildlife.
It is considered to be one of the megadiverse
countries in the world.
Many animal species are endemic to China.
=== Flora ===
China has a diverse flora, with more than
30,000 plant species native to the country.
== Climate ==
=== Climate change ===
The position of the Chinese government on
climate change is contentious.
China is the world's current largest emitter
of carbon dioxide although not the cumulative
largest.
China has ratified the Kyoto Protocol, but
as a non-Annex I country is not required to
limit greenhouse gas emissions under terms
of the agreement.
== Protected areas of China ==
There are several forms of protected areas
in China.
Each type of protected area is protected on
either a national, provincial, or county level.
== Environmental issues ==
Rapid industrialization, population growth,
and lax environmental oversight have caused
many environmental issues, such as large-scale
pollution in China.
As of 2013, Beijing, which lies in a topographic
bowl, has significant industry, and heats
with coal, is subject to air inversions resulting
in extremely high levels of pollution in winter
months.In January 2013, fine airborne particulates
that pose the largest health risks, rose as
high as 993 micrograms per cubic meter in
Beijing, compared with World Health Organization
guidelines of no more than 25.
The World Bank estimates that 16 of the world's
most-polluted cities are located in China.According
to Jared Diamond, the six main categories
of environmental problems of China are: air
pollution, water problems, soil problems,
habitat destruction, biodiversity loss and
mega projects.
And "China is noted for the frequency, number,
extent, and damage of its natural disasters".Many
of the Chinese citizens started to wonder
if air pollution is the cause of the increase
of lung cancer.
This question began to rise because the citizens
in China must constantly wear face masks to
avoid breathing in the hazardous particles
from their polluted skies.
Some experts agree that it is the reason,
but others say there isn't enough evidence.
Wang Ning, deputy director of the Beijing
Office for Prevention and Control, says he
has seen a rise in a certain cancer called
adenicarcinoma, which is a mucus that is seen
as a side effect from pollution.
China's lung cancer rate is 32% of the entire
world's lung cancer patients.
Meanwhile, as lung cancer increases, gastric,
esophageal, and cervical cancer have all decreased
in China.
== See also ==
Elizabeth Economy (China environment expert)
Environmental policy in China
Geographic Information Systems in China
Hot summer cold winter zone
Land use in China
