The embarrassment of environmental impact assessment

Having an environmental impact assessment is better than having none; indeed, environmental impact assessments have made a certain contribution to environmental protection in our country, as they at least impose certain restrictions on the location selection of enterprises that cause significant pollution. However, no matter how good the environmental impact assessment results are, enterprises still need to implement the various pollution prevention measures outlined in that assessment; environmental protection agencies are required to oversee these efforts; the environmental awareness of the general public also needs to be improved. Most importantly, there is a need for a change in the development mindset of leaders, as well as a change in the current system whereby officials are promoted based solely on GDP figures. In short, the task of environmental protection is arduous.

I think the attention given now is merely superficial; in reality, it isn’t taken seriously at all. The consequences of this are serious, as much more money will have to be spent in the future to address the issue.

It is only after losing something that one realizes the importance of the environment. Therefore, the challenge lies in raising the costs associated with environmental pollution, so that companies are less inclined to pollute the environment. **That is what needs to be addressed.**

There is not enough emphasis placed on this at the moment, which is why formalism remains prevalent. However, with the rapid economic development in recent years and the successive emergence of environmental problems, it’s only a matter of time before more attention is paid to this issue. I suggest that people avoid seeking small advantages now, as strict controls will be imposed later, causing them a lot of trouble

With the environmental impact assessment report in hand, the next problem arises with the design phase. Owners, especially those of private enterprises, often ignore laws and regulations, trying to find loopholes in them or play tricks to circumvent them, or to conceal the truth. As a result, a factory becomes a source of pollution, and I’m really worried about the people who work there as well as the residents living in the surrounding area; they are in danger without even realizing it. :'(

Environmental assessment is a necessary measure to prevent problems before they occur. However, at present, the enforcement of such measures is insufficient, and different rules are applied at the local and central levels. This is mainly due to conflicts between local economic interests and policies. To truly meet the requirements regarding environmental assessment, technological progress is essential; it is necessary to achieve both social and economic benefits from environmental protection projects, so that enterprises can derive economic advantages from such projects. This approach is more effective in promoting environmental protection than relying on penalties

This winter, we have just completed the annual provincial course on radioisotopes*. It was learned that the three nuclear power plants under construction on the Shandong Peninsula did not undergo environmental assessments. With local support, environmental impact assessments are ignored outright; they are extremely arrogant.

For environmental impact assessments and safety evaluations, I feel that in a couple of years they’ll be similar to ISO9000 – you just pay a fee and it’s done. In any case, for our environmental impact assessments, we provide all the pollution-related data ourselves; we submit it to the environmental protection agency, and they just take a sample and approve it. Of course, our company is small; perhaps larger companies are more strict. :Q :Q :Q