Letters and Blogs

Do local govts walk the walk?

China should be applauded for approving a new far-reaching national regulation on environment on Aug 12. Once again China has demonstrated its intention to ensure sustainable development.

But a critical question remains: Will local governments walk the walk and implement the regulation? Unfortunately so far the record is checkered. We read daily of infringements on environmental laws - from the indirect poisoning of local water bodies, burning of harmful substances, to the lack of required public consultations.