China, the Olympic Games and Environmental Pollution
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Next summer's Olympic Games have focused attention on China's economic expansion and the environmental pollution that's going along with it. We talk about China's image problems, the health of its people and the impact on the rest of the world. Also, UAW picket lines go up at Chrysler, and a public apology from the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, something William Bratton never did in Giuliani's New York.
Photo: Teh Eng Koon/AFP/Getty Images
Making News
United Auto Makers Strike after Negotiations Break Down ()
As United Auto Workers appear on the verge of ratifying a new contract with General Motors, almost 32,000 workers at Chrysler walked off the job today. Picket lines went up at 19 manufacturing plants and 22 other facilities in 14 states. Katie Merx is business writer at the Detroit Free Press.
Guests:
- Katie Merx: Business Writer, Detroit Free Press
Main Topic
Explosive Growth in China Causes Explosive Pollution Problems ()
As China strives to be an economic colossus, hundreds of thousands of people are dying prematurely from un-breathable air and contaminated water. During next summer's Olympics, auto traffic and manufacturing will be curtailed in greater Beijing, and nearby coal mines may be shut down. American athletes may be housed in South Korea and flown to Beijing only to participate in their events. The International Olympic Committee says the marathon and other endurance contests may be postponed altogether. But the basic problem remains, that of mind-boggling expansion in the world's most populous country with few controls on waste and emissions. What does it mean for the rest of the world? What's China trying to do about it?
Guests:
- Barbara Finamore: Director, NRDC's China Clean Energy Program
- Jennifer Turner: Director, Woodrow Wilson International Center's China Environment Forum
- Jim Watson: Senior Fellow, Sussex Energy Group
- William Overholt: Director, RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy
- Deborah Seligsohn: Consultant, World Resources Institute
Reporter's Notebook
LAPD Chief Apologizes for Police Conduct at May Day Melee ()
Los Angeles' Police Chief has done something he was hardly known for when he was Chief of Police in New York. William Bratton has publicly apologized, for his own failures and those of his command staff. On May Day, 6000 peaceful protesters were routed from MacArthur Park by baton-wielding officers of the LAPD's elite Metro Squad. TV news stations recorded numerous incidents involving women, children and reporters being struck, with some falling to the ground. Yesterday, Chief Bratton made a "self-critical" report to the civilian Police Commission. Is it an isolated incident or a new trend in law enforcement? Eugene O'Donnell, a former officer in the New York Police Department, is Professor of Law and Police Studies at New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Guests:
- Eugene O'Donnell: Professor of Police Studies, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Underwriters
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