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
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.
We copied laws and regulations from western countries, but enforcement remains weak, and environmental litigation is still quite near impossible.
The situation is quite serious - groundwater is important source for water use, including drinking water, and if it gets contaminated, it's very costly and difficult to clean.
Ever since we published the first Apple report, we've had some other brands turning more proactive.
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.
People realised this is real pollution; it is not fog. Now everyone has to face the data and come out of their comfort zone.
Brands who come to China, often they just care about price - so they actually drive the suppliers to cut corners on environmental standards to win a contract.
Even the government understands that the environmental challenge is so big that no single agency can handle it. It needs collaboration among all the stakeholders - companies, governments, NGOs and the public. Public accountability will be the ultimate driving force.
At the end of the day, the government, local government all bow to public pressure.
We must strictly enforce the Environmental Law, closing down the polluters that fail to meet the standards.
I tell them the rules are made by the government. Every firm should comply. It doesn't mean they can't compete.
We haven't seen the turning point yet, but we're sticking to our bottom line, for the environment and the health of the country.
While cheap products are exported to western countries, the waste is dumped mostly in China's back yard, contaminating its air, water, soil and seas.