China Edges Towards a Greener Shade of Red

China’s rapid economy must slow in order to protect the environment, according to the nation’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in his annual report to parliament. In the speech, which sets policy direction for the upcoming year, environmental protection took priority over many other issues confronting the nation, reports journalist Jonathan Watts for “The Guardian.” China is the world’s most populous nation, poised to overtake the US in producing carbon emissions by 2009, and Watts writes that “The deterioration of China’s environment is hurting social stability.” Wen blamed local governments for making economic development a priority over laws that protect the environment. The public shares Wen’s concerns, reports Watts, but putting the brakes to growth, profits and greed is never an easy task. – YaleGlobal