Environmental concerns as China modernizes

For the past fifteen years of reform, China has opened its doors to broad economic changes and to the outside world. The decentralization of both agricultural and industrial reforms has increased its pollution problems. China is now at an important crossroads in terms of balancing economic growth and environmental protection in its economic decision-making. The leaders have attempted to curb environmental degradation during the reform years through national policy, laws and regulations, and propaganda. However, there is still much work to be done, specifically in the implementation of the regulations. The reforms have sought to improve the people’s standard of living, which requires both economic growth and a healthy environmenta in which to live.