My Research Process
I initially choose my topic because it was similar to what I was learning about in my AP environmental science class (APES). In my class we devoted several weeks to discussing methods of sustainable energy production. I found the discussions about unintended consequences of energy production to be especially interesting. This is where the idea for my essay topic originated. My teacher spent time sharing with the class successful examples of sustainable development, as well as unsuccessful ones. These discussions led me to choose China as the country of focus for my topic. China piqued my interest because it was one of the few countries that fell into both the “good” and “bad” category. In a class discussion, my teacher described how China had been notorious in the past for their abysmal environmental quality, and poor regulation of rare natural resources. However, in recent years China has become a world leader in progressive and innovative environmental policy. Because of China’s new technology and experimental environmental policy, I thought it would be an interesting topic to do further research on.
Originally, I had planned to research China’s impact on the United States, as I had I found many credible websites discussing exactly that. However, this topic did not fit the requirements of the essay, so I had to adjust my approach to the topic. Eventually, I settled on researching how China’s current environmental policy effected environmental policy in Central and Southeast Asia. After formulating my question, I realized that I knew very little a bout the topic I had chosen, and that I had made my topic incredibly specific. I was unsure of what keywords to use in my searches, so consequently, I spent much of my class time Googling, but not finding any relevant information. Additionally, very few major new sites have any articles devoted to the environment of a tiny country in Asia such as Laos and Myanmar. I assumed I would find at least one article describing how China’s new environmentally conscious mindset was benefiting nearby countries, and that my paper would focus on how he Chinese government was helping instill a strong care for the environment in its smaller, poorer neighbors.
After multiple days of research, I realized I was not going to find any articles that supported my original idea, in fact I was struggling to find any articles that discussed my topic at all. Most news sources that wrote about the environment in Asia focused solely on China and how its improvements in air quality impacted the Chinese economy. I found very little in the way of how policy was affecting Southeast or Central Asia. After several days of searching I found some articles about my topic, however the argument they contained was not what I was expecting. The articles I found argued that China Used its economic power to build environmentally ruinous dams and coal mines in South East Asia. I couldn’t find any research on China’s effect on central Asia. From what I read it appeared that Russia had more impact than any other country. After finding these articles I was able to develop my Thesis. I was shocked to discover my original notion, that the Chinese government would help promote more environmental policy in poorer countries, was completely inaccurate. Rather than using their economic and political power to help, China has used it as an opportunity to abuse and exploit poor countries by forcing Chinese operated dams and coal mines into their land.
Not much research has been conducted on my topic since I turned in my paper, however in the last month, an organization called “Scientists for the Mekong” set up a blog and podcast that provides a voice for poor countries whose rights are being violated. The organization itself has been around for many years, but the addition of a blog and podcast was a recent development. The group’s mission statement, written by Lilliana Corredor, is as follows: “Scientists for the Mekong” is an independent group of highly qualified scientists offering a voice to the people of the Mekong River – who are unable to defend their Rights to Clean Water and Food Security safely. We are committed to revealing the truth on issues relevant to the Mekong River, and to protect the ecosystem itself for future generations." The blog serves as a platform for a group of environmental scientists to explain to the public the dangers that China’s damming of the Mekong could create.
Works Cited
Corredor, Lilliana. “About Us.” Scientists for the Mekong, Scientists for the Mekong, 2 Feb.
2016, www.scientists4mekong.com/about/. 5 Jan. 2017.
Header borrowed from "Mong Bay News"