China’s Environment

China, with 1.33 billion people, is about the same size as Europe, with 738 million people, but has a much higher rate of economic growth, about 10% per year for the past 15 years. China’s per capita GDP is about £4,000, Europe’s about £17,000, but the gap is closing rapidly. Environmental damage in China is estimated at about 8–13% per year, about equal to economic growth. Strenuous efforts are being made to curtail this damage, which increasing levels of consumption are driving, but it is a very difficult job. International cooperation can help greatly, and avert the extinction of a large proportion of China’s biota, which represents 8–9% of the world’s total, over the coming decades. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is linked with the Missouri Botanical Garden in producing a 50-volume revision of The Flora of China that will be completed within three years. It will constitute an improved basis for conserving the plants of China.

The lecture will take place on 12 MAY 2010 AT 6.00PM at The Royal Society of Edinburgh George Street Edinburgh. It is free and open to all although you need to reserve a place.

Further details from The Royal Society of Edinburgh