Massive Environmental Demonstrations Rock China and Japan
By Steve Kinsman, 29th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutNewsEnvironment
Massive demonstrations have taken place this week in China and Japan, and at least in China, people power won the day.
China's Industrial Waste Pipeline
Earlier in July of this year, in the city of Shifang, plans for a copper plant were dropped after many thousands of protesters clashed with Chinese riot police. This past week, in eastern China where a huge paper mill was set to become fully operational, as many as 100,00 demonstrators rioted against a pipeline from the mill which would dump as much as 150,000 tons of industrial waste per day into the port of Lusi, a coastal fishing community just north of Shanghai.
Project canceled
In response to the massive demonstrations, officials canceled the pipeline project after demonstrators occupied government offices, trashed computers, threw documents out of windows to the cheers of the crowd, and overturned police cars. There is rising anger throughout China as the country's pollution problems reach epic proportions. Jeffrey Wasserman, of the University of California Irvine told Reuters that the protests "suggest that the middle class, whose members seemed willing to accept in the 1990's that being able to buy more things equaled having a better life, are now wondering whether one's quality of life has improved, if you have to worry about breathing the air, drinking the water,and whether the food you're eating is safe."
No to Nukes in Japan
In Japan yesterday, July 28, 2011, tens of thousands of people took to the streets and formed a human chain surrounding the parliament building to demand the government abandon nuclear power. Demonstrations have been ongoing since May, which is rare for this country, where people usually do not demonstrate. Despite overwhelming public opinion, the government has allowed shut down nuclear plants to come back on line.
Demonstrating on many fronts
Demonstrations of this scope and magnitude have not been seen in Japan since the 1960s, and they are occurring not only in Tokyo, but in many other cities throughout the country.
"We are here to oppose nuclear power, which is simply too dangerous," said Hiroko Yamada, a woman in her eighties. Shoji Kitano, 64, a retired math teacher, was wearing a sign that read "No to Nukes." He remarked that "all these people have gotten together and are raising their voices."
The government, however, seems not to be listening.
Link: Despite Widespread Protest, Nuclear Power Back on Line in Japan
All photos from commondreams.org
Comments
29th Jul 2012 (#)
A coming Asian Autumn?
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Could be.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
This is the fifth article that I have read on these protests in the last half hour but your has been the best so far, Steve. Nice job. It really is heart warming to see the protesters win for a change.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
It is indeed. Thanks Jerry.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
There was a time in China, not that meany years ago, where it also appeared that the protesters were making headway... (Tienamen Square in 1989) and then, they were crushed. We can continue to hope for a better result!
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
The preview photo in this article reminded me of Tienamen Square. Thanks for commenting, David.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Agitations in China are allowed so long as government permits. Good post Steve
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Thank you Madan. What's fascinating here is that the government bent to the will of the people and abandoned the pipeline project.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
Unless people are also convinced that development is sustainable, they are likely to be up in arms more and more everywhere. Huge plants can dump unsustainable waste lining the pockets of the few who become richer by the day. Thanks for this highlight, Steve - siva
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31st Jul 2012 (#)
Thank you Siva.
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30th Jul 2012 (#)
When the winds of change blow, anything goes, Steve.
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31st Jul 2012 (#)
Very good article.
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31st Jul 2012 (#)
Thank you norlaw.I appreciate that.
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7th Aug 2012 (#)
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government."
This Article, alongside your page, Steve, is what we must hold dear in our fight for survival. The threat of nuclear war will remain until the power of the people overcomes the greed and rush to destruction by world governments.
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7th Aug 2012 (#)
Right you are Ivyevelyn. Thank you.
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13th Aug 2012 (#)
Excellent post, thanks for sharing the information.
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13th Aug 2012 (#)
Thank you Freelancer. I appreciate your comment.
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2nd Sep 2012 (#)
Excellent article and informative, too. :)
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2nd Sep 2012 (#)
Thank you rama devi.
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