Ma Jun
Ma Jun
Ma Jun, courtesy name Deheng, was a Chinese mechanical engineer and government official during the Three Kingdoms era of China. His most notable invention was that of the south-pointing chariot, a directional compass vehicle which actually had no magnetic function, but was operated by use of differential gears. It is because of this revolutionary devicethat Ma Jun is known as one of the most brilliant mechanical engineers and inventors of his day. The device was re-invented by many after Ma...
NationalityChinese
ProfessionEnvironmentalist
Date of Birth22 May 1968
CountryChina
Ever since we published the first Apple report, we've had some other brands turning more proactive.
Environmental problems cannot be resolved here the way they are resolved in other countries. I heard that 80 per cent of the environmental problems in the U.S. are solved in court. That can't happen here.
Environmental groups are not completely against dams. We approve of appropriate development.
Environmental agencies in China are hamstrung by local officials who put economic growth ahead of environmental protection; even the courts are beholden to local officials, and they are not open to environmental litigation.
No matter how rich you are, you can't get healthy air.
They pollute. It's not because morally they have a problem, but more because the mechanism now is rewarding those who cut corners to save cost.
Everyone knows the link between the environment and their own health.
Everyone else has some interest in economic growth and development, which often happens at the expense of the environment and community. We need the other side to join this to check and balance.
It's true that hydropower exploitation can bring economic development, but not necessarily to the benefit of local people.
The objective is to slow down investment growth and loan growth which were higher than the targets set by the government. This won't be the only move and more administrative measures are likely to come.
The objective is to slow down investment growth and loan growth.
This is the case to set a precedent. For the first time, there is a legal basis for public participation. If it happens, it would be a major step forward.
People realised this is real pollution; it is not fog. Now everyone has to face the data and come out of their comfort zone.
The motivation should come from regulatory enforcement, but enforcement is weak, and environmental litigation is near to impossible. So there's an urgent need for extensive public participation to generate another kind of motivation.