Textbook Problem

China’s burning of coal has caused major and growing air pollution problems for the country and for its neighboring nations, and it has contributed to projected climate change. In addition, air pollution generated in China now sometimes spreads across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America. Do you think China is justified in developing its coal resource aggressively as other countries, including the United States, have done? Explain. If you think that China should sharply reduce its dependence on coal, would you also call for the United States to sharply reduce its use of coal? Explain.