“The Air that I Breathe” – Personal Reflections on Pollution in China

“Sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe.” I loved the 1974 hit “The Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies when I was a kid. The song is really a love song and has little to do with air pollution, the environment, or the main things I wish to reflect on in this short piece.

Earlier this year, The Economist reported, “Last year on a typically smoggy day in Beijing, Li Keqiang, the prime minister, declared ‘war’ on air pollution—a problem that has become a national fixation. Chinese leaders have been embarrassed by the damage caused to China’s international image by the city’s relentlessly grey skies. They worry that the smog could fuel dissatisfaction with the government and undermine stability in the capital, as well as affect their own and their families’ health.” If the problem of air pollution in China has reached a level that forces the central government to admit it is a problem then you can bet it is a serious problem.

That doesn’t mean the government is fully transparent about the problem of air pollution in China’s cities. Several months ago, the government blocked the U.S. Embassy in Beijing from posting its daily air quality index numbers. The only numbers they post now are those controlled by the central government.

Air pollution is a painful truth that the leaders of China cannot deny, and to be fair, they do not want to deny it; but the government still wants to be in charge of how such bad news gets broadcast. A few months ago, a well-known Xinhua News Agency broadcaster posted the results of her research on China’s air quality problem on WeChat. The video went viral and after a few days, was taken down. One could legitimately ask the question, “Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to such poor air?”

In 1991, I sold my car in the U.S. and hopped on a plane headed for China to teach for two years. Those years were not only pivotal in shaping my vision and passion for China and its church, but they also served to show me how much more enjoyable life was without having to rely on a car for transportation.

During those two years, I came across some research conducted by the U.S. government that contained information about lifestyles in America. The information detailed how heavily American communities are impacted by things like transportation. This study had a huge impact on my thinking and caused me to begin rethinking how growing up in the States had shaped certain patterns in my life related to transportation; how much time I spent driving, and how much money I spent on gas, car insurance, and maintenance. In contrast, my life in China was “car free” from those burdens and challenges.

After returning to America, I tried living in the suburbs without a car for a year and found it nearly impossible, even dangerous. (Try riding your mountain bike on the side of a busy road with cars and trucks whizzing by at 50+ mph.) I gave up in frustration and bought a used Toyota. After getting married and adding our second car, I felt a bit trapped. Life in the U.S. demanded we purchase a car. One day my brother-in-law, a transportation expert that now works for the State of California, shared a statistic with me that blew me away. The average American spends roughly a third of her income on transportation.

Fast forward to our move to China in the summer of 2010. I rejoiced before our move that I was able to literally give away our two vehicles. Living in China does not require us to own a car. Public transportation is cheap and nearly every store or service we need on a daily basis (grocery store, hardware store, restaurants, hair cuts, dry cleaner, tailor, computer equipment, bank, etc) is available within a 5-10 minute walk (no exaggeration).

I’ll be honest, my original intention in not buying a car in China was not that of environmental concern (carbon emissions, etc), but those concerns are also not insignificant. I don’t know how much I am contributing to reducing global pollution by not owning a car, but I am sure I’m not adding to it either.

My motivations for not buying a car were more lifestyle related. I wanted my family to live according the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 5:11-12: “ As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.” The average soul in China lives with so much less than we do as Americans and I believe there is a certain beauty, simplicity, and spiritual benefit to living according to this wisdom.


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This post is not meant to be a sermon or a theological treatise on this issue, although I think both sermons and theological treatises should be part of our regular spiritual nourishment. This short piece is simply to point out that often as Americans, we are easily and more readily able to point out the flaws and problems of countries like China, myself included. On the other hand, we might not always see our own national problems so clearly especially when it touches upon lifestyle choices.

What does all this have to do with air pollution in China? I guess there are two points related to air pollution. First, it is true that many Chinese cities have high levels of pollution and breathing the air can be hazardous to your health. I have developed a mild respiratory condition over the last five years due to air pollution, and so have nearly all the members of my family. On the other hand, China’s cities, and even suburbs, are structured in such a way that living without a car, a very environmentally friendly thing, is much easier and convenient due to public transportation and many other factors.

Second, the “carless” lifestyle has probably reduced my blood pressure and increased my life expectancy. I honestly believe that years of my life have been shaved off by waiting in ridiculous traffic jams in the U.S. while being behind the wheel of a car.

God obviously does care about the world he created, both humanity and the environment. Proverbs 12:10 tells us that among the things that mark a righteous man is his care for God’s creation (in this case animals). This was God’s truth way before it was a political agenda. We are trying to live that out in China for God’s glory, in the midst of a polluted and sinful society. How will people be motivated beyond mere economic incentives not to litter, or to not dump toxic waste into the rivers and lakes, or to take a long-term view of protecting the environment? Part of the answer is the gospel. When hearts grasp the truth expressed in passages like Proverbs 12:10, society cannot help but undergo change for the better.

 

Sa Zhong Zi (meaning “sow seeds”) is the pseudonym of an American living in China assisting in supporting and strengthening the Chinese house church.

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Further Reading

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The J-Curve: Suffering with Jesus
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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