China

Population: 1,306,313,812 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Beijing

Environmental Issues: air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species

Life and people of the Yangtze river

The Yangtze river (Chang Jiang) flows for over 6,000km. It is the longest river in Asia and one of the longest rivers in the world. The Yangtze flows eastwards from Qinghai Province in the west of China to Shanghai where it reaches the East China Sea. Today the banks of the Yanktze are flanked by development of industry and agriculture.

The Three Gorges Dam, which is to be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, spans one section of the Yanktze River. Construction of this commenced in 1993 and continues today and has involved relocation of many people from many towns. At the centre of this development is the future of over one million people who will be effected by rising waters. In addition to the effects on people and the environment, it is expected that many cultural and archeological sites of significance will be lost.

	Long Qing Yin (42)
	Long was born in the city of Fungli and has spent most of his life in the area working on farms. He now works as a construction worker. At the time of his childhood China was undergoing a powerful cultural and political transition. Long's memoirs tell of some of the hardships that were experienced and at the same time how he has witnessed changes to the Yangtze and surrounds.
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