I'd tend to agree with nice gaijan on this subject. The Chinese aren't the sole cause of any of those problems, but they are major contributors. The country is experiencing economic growth unlike anything we've ever seen before, and with the growth of economy comes the troubles of an increased need for things, things like oil, wood, coal, and other raw materials-not to mention food.

Right now, China is being very sloppy in its treatment of the environment and its people, but if it can clean up its act, the potential is there for China become the world's next great superpower.