Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Climate change is wreaking havoc all around the world. Taking the matter most seriously, China a long time ago started combating it. During my visit to Guangzhou and Shenzhen – two major cities of China, I witnessed the Chinese government’s dedication to preserving green spaces and safeguarding rivers and waterways.
Honking in Bangladeshi streets is a common phenomenon. But vehicles run in Chinese cities without making any noise pollution, as the horn is banned there. However, the absence of such devices is not causing accidents. Even no traffic police officers were seen standing at the intersections – whom we usually see in Dhaka controlling traffic at the behest of their hands. The vehicles – mostly battery-run – follow the traffic rules strictly without unnecessary overtaking and even no jaywalking.
Before landing at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, I was anticipating king-size portraits and aphoristic speeches of President Xi Jinping on the streets – what we usually see in our cities and towns — portraits of our leaders. During my week-long stay in China, I was utterly disappointed with not seeing even any miniature portrait of Xi or any other leaders.
In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, streets and elevated expressways are only adorned with Mandarin and English direction signs. The roads are clean, dust-free, and lined with trees like banyan and mango, along with vibrant flowers. Drivers will feel like driving through a garden of foliage and hues.
At the White Swan, China’s first five-star hotel built in 1983 overlooking the Pearl River in Guangzhou, a director general level official explained to a Bangladeshi media delegation that Guangzhou initially faced severe noise pollution during its development. However, the government later implemented a ban on vehicle horns to alleviate the issue.
The senior official revealed that the Pearl River, once polluted by industrial waste, now teems with life. Government efforts rejuvenated its pristine condition, saving the environment.
The senior official’s speech captivated me, evoking thoughts of Dhaka’s polluted rivers, especially the Buriganga. The official emphasised that mere excavation wouldn’t cleanse a river. The Chinese government enforced zero-tolerance policies, compelling industries to halt waste dumping. Consequently, the Pearl River, China’s third longest, became pollution-free.
The official shared an intriguing detail: officials tasked with keeping the Pearl River clean compulsorily swim its length annually. It made me wonder: when will our officials do the same in the Buriganga River?
Now, visitors flock from across China and beyond to enjoy evening luxury cruises on the Pearl River, basking in the dazzling multicolored lights of the iconic lady-waist-shaped-610-metre-tall Canton Tower, a symbol of pride for Guangzhou.
The official stressed China’s commitment to clean air by reducing carbon emissions. Baiyun Mountain, known as the “lung” of Guangzhou, stands testament to this effort in a city with thousands of skyscrapers, all without compromising air quality.
Whereas Dhaka’s air quality consistently ranks among the world’s worst due to unchecked construction, vehicle emissions, and brick kilns, posing a dire threat to public health.
The official, however, noted that China also faces climate change impacts, a global issue, and emphasised global commitment to cut carbon emissions.
Regarding corruption in China, the official, mentioning some of the officials of equal rank currently under charges of corruption, said that even severe corruption leads to capital punishment whoever it may be.
The transportation system of Guangzhou and Shenzhen is another giant leap of the Chinese government’s commitment to cut carbon emissions. Vehicular manufacturing companies like GAC Motor and even Huawei are giving importance to new energy solutions for their vehicles to cut carbon emissions. Their officials said that they give the environment top priority before developing their products.
They also said that the number of battery-run vehicles is increasing regularly while gasoline-run vehicles will have to pay more in the upcoming days for emitting carbon dioxide.
While cruising through the streets of the two cities, another striking thing will easily grab your attention. The pavements are full of standing bicycles to hire. Just you have to scan the QR code of the bicycle to open the lock. Then start riding to any destination and leave it on the pavement by re-scanning the code for the nominal hiring charge.
For a long time, environmentalists in Bangladesh have been advocating for separate lanes for bicycles in the capital, saying that it would reduce traffic jams and cut carbon emissions. But it is still a pipe dream!
Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen – once an agrarian and fishery society – have now turned into the cities of skyscrapers, but they value their traditions and cultures deeply. The Chinese people believe that respecting one’s own culture means respecting others. Their exhibition halls preserve their past for future generations to learn from their ancestors.
Both cities offer a taste of Cantonese food for the gourmets, as Guangdong province is known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Besides, cuisines from other countries, including Halal foods for Muslims, are available.
The cities are also the hub for businesses and idea generation. If any individual has innovative ideas, investors are ready to invest while the government supports medium-scale entrepreneurs immensely to stand up on their feet.
Since the reform and the opening-up at Shenzhen in 1978 led by visionary leader Deng Xiaoping, China has rejuvenated itself in the last four decades in all aspects with Chinese characteristics, currently led by President Xi.
Now China is opening itself more to the world to share its development experience with other countries so that they can make their own story of development by creating more livable and environmentally-friendly urban spaces.
(The writer is a senior reporter,
The New Nation).