China’s environment remains in sad shape, marked by severe air and water pollution and a number of other problems, according to an annual assessment released today by the Chinese State Environmental Protection Agency. The air in 137 cities exceeds government targets, and two-thirds of the Yellow River, China’s second longest waterway, are polluted, the report found. As the report was released, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji promised increased environmental-protection efforts, including more money for environmental technology and water and soil conservation.
