China and Russia as Emerging Environmental Superpowers

Pacific Environment and the World Affairs Council of Northern California Present: International Trends: China and Russia as Emerging Environmental Superpowers Keynote Speaker: Mark Hertsgaard (Author of Earth Odyssey and commentator on NPR's "Living on Earth.") China is home to one-fifth of the world’s population. Russia is home to one-fifth of the world’s remaining frontier forests. China’s economy is the fastest growing in the world, and with that growth, it has also become one of the most polluted. Russia has been trying to gain an economic toehold by selling off its timber, minerals, oil, and fish to the world. Learn how these forces at play across the Pacific are posing some of the most crucial environmental challenges the world currently faces. And learn how citizens in both countries are rising up to these challenges, as environmental issues are emerging as leading rallying points for democracy. The evening will feature break-out sessions on China and Russia after the keynote speech.