China and conservation

I was left perplexed by Tim Smit’s criticism of New Zealand in Patrick Barkham’s article (Creating Edens, April 2018), especially when balanced against China’s environmental work. China is responsible for chronic levels of air pollution, the much-publicised soil poisoning in Changzhou and the almost certain extinction of the Chinese river dolphin. In addition, it has an expansionist policy of building islands in the South China Sea.

It could also be argued that the new environmental awareness in the country is due to a normal period of slowing economic growth, and not a newfound conscientiousness about protection of the environment. However, I do support attempts to further the cause of sustainability, and Smit’s engagement with China ismost laudable. Jason Gray, Abu Dhabi