Who on earth would put Dame Jane Goodall and the Hash House Harriers in the same boat? All is not what it seems, though. On September 24, the Roots & Shoots China World Summit will be held at the Jane Goodall Institute of China, featuring stage performances, informational displays about NGOs and environmental programs and fun educational activities. We chatted with Executive Director Lei Wong about China’s youth and meeting the British premier.

Living in Beijing, we often feel out of touch with nature. High-rise buildings, pollution and concrete roads hardly call to mind dewy grass, fresh water streams and chirping songbirds.

Now, the Green Earth Volunteers – one of the oldest local environmental NGOs in China – is offering expats an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors. They have been organizing a “River Watch” activity (乐水行) every Saturday for the past two years, but starting in July, they’ve arranged for monthly English-language translations as well. And their second one ever is taking place tomorrow morning (see details below).

Here’s a look at some news and opinions for the past week from the drain of sexpats on Beijing to China’s environmental efforts.

The world’s largest voluntary action takes place this Saturday, March 26, 2011. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour 2011 intends to be bigger than ever.

This year’s theme has expanded to not only promote awareness of climate change, but also environmental sustainability. The WWF asks that individuals, businesses and governments turn off their lights from 8.30pm-9.30pm, as well as pledge to make one change for the planet.

Due to a lingering drought and a record breaking dry winter, Beijing is to experiment with measures to more strictly regulate water conservation and recycled water usage.