Daily News April 14, 2014

Environmental Pollution and Health

Beijing’s Bad-Air Days, Finally Counted, WSJ

Thanks to the U.S. State Department, Beijing residents finally have the answer to one of the city’s greatest mysteries: How often is the air polluted?

Shanghai base for delta air pollution alert center, Xinhuanet

Shanghai residents will soon receive more accurate air quality reports with the launch of a new calculating system.

How does environmental pollution influences supply chain model

China's 'eco-cities': empty of hospitals, shopping centres and people, the Guardian

As part of its plan to move tens of millions of people out of the countryside, China is building hundreds of brand-new cities. Tianjin Eco-city is a relatively successful example, but many of its 'green' buildings still echo like gymnasiums

Grain, Poultry and Food Security

China's anti-GMO stance hurts U.S. grain traders — including ADM, Chicago Business

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that China's tougher stance on imports of genetically modified corn is distressing U.S. agribusiness, largely stopping trade of corn in its fastest growing market. One industry estimate shows exports down by 85 percent from last year.

Related:

US corn exports to China drop 85 percent after ban on GMO strains – industry report

Memo From Wal-Mart to Beijing: Clean Up Your Own Act, WSJ

Wal-Mart hasn”t had the easiest of relationships with the Chinese government. In the past three years, it’s been fined $9.8 million and variously sanctioned for using misleading pricing, selling poor-quality products and selling donkey meat that actually turned out to be fox.

Walmart's organic push could alter California agriculture

Organic processed foods are about to become more plentiful and much cheaper at Walmartstores across the nation, including in the Bay Area, and that could change the landscape of California agriculture.

Wal-Mart Cries Foul on China Fines, WSJ

Over the past three years, Chinese authorities have fined Wal-Mart Stores Inc. $9.8 million, sanctioning the retailer for using misleading pricing, selling poor-quality products and even peddling donkey meat that turned out to be fox.

Illegal Chinese garlic imports pounding U.S. industry

U.S. struggles to curb flood of imported goods avoiding duties

China’s Role in Global Trade

China to Ban High Sulfur Coal Imports

In an effort to clean up the choking smog in many major Chinese cities, the Chinese government plans on banning imports of high sulfur coal. 

Water security

Xinhua Insight: Lanzhou tap water crisis ends, but concerns remain, Xinhuanet

Energy Problem

China Takes On Big Risks in Its Push for Shale Gas, NY times

Residents of this isolated mountain valley of terraced cornfields were just going to sleep last April when they were jolted by an enormous roar, followed by a tower of flames.

Hydropower Overload In China

For the past 65 years, China has built nearly two dams per day, and wants to expand its hydroelectric capacity.