Exploring the Environment of China 2011
Environmental Science Perspective
by Elizabeth Collesano
As a science student, I didn't think I would get the chance to study abroad so when this opportunity arose I knew I needed to go. My parents were on board quickly once they realized what a great experience it would be for me. I am an Environmental Science student so I knew this trip would be perfect for me. Before I left I prepared a presentation that compared and contrasted the environments of China and the United States. 
Based on my research, it seemed like although China wanted to make significant changes in its environmental policies something was holding them back. I was hoping that I could learn more about their culture and their mindset about environmental issues. I was really looking forward to exploring the environment of China with my classmates.
When we first arrived in Shanghai, the first thing that I noticed was the smoggy air. At first I thought it might be foggy and that it would clear up, but it didn't. It was present in Xi'an and Beijing as well. The next thing that I noticed was the amount of people riding bicycles and motorized scooters. There were also a large number of cars driving throughout all of the cities. However, there were very few SUVs and trucks, which I found interesting. Shanghai was the largest city that we visited. There were numerous apartment buildings everywhere we looked, but they were all pretty small, much different from a lot of apartments American cities. Very few apartments and buildings had central air conditioning. If they had any air conditioning it was usually in one room-obviously very different from America.
I was surprised by how common disposable plastic bottles were. Most of the beverages were not served cold, most likely because they keep their refrigerators at low settings. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that stores charge for plastic grocery bags so many people bring their own reusable bags. There was an ongoing joke within our group that China's national bird was the "crane". In all three cities that we visited, there were many tower cranes building new apartments or businesses. I was amazed by how quickly they were adding new infrastructure. I later learned that a lot of the time the building standards are not met, resulting in buildings that are not in compliance with environmental standards.
I was eager to hear what the Chinese students had to say about the environmental status of their country. Many of them seemed to have a positive attitude for the future. The students realize that the Chinese government agencies need to enforce the environmental laws and policies on a regular basis.
Many of them were worried about the water shortages and air quality, but they had faith in the government to make improvements and find solutions in the future.
My favorite cultural experience was visiting the ancient silk factory. I was very intrigued by the rug making process because it was very intricate, hard work. Each rug is unique because the weaver ties every knot. The more knots per square inch, the more expensive and difficult it is to make. It can take more than a year for one weaver to complete a 9x12 rug. The rug that Professor Schroth bought at the silk factory has notorious ‘terrorists' on it. However, when he bought the rug the message was lost in translation because our tour guide, Alex said that the men were famous warriors in China.
I have learned that as China developed into an industrialized country with extreme economic growth, it became one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. The country continues to feel the tension between their reliance on significant energy consumption to improve its infrastructure and economy and their desire to protect the environment. I hope China can make big changes sooner rather than later.
