Jonathan Watts’ book, When a Billion Chinese Jump, has been a clarion call to the world on the realities of China’s environment. Here, the Guardian correspondent tells us how people are taking the news.

On responses to his book

“The most enthusiastic were in China and the UK, where most of the questions were about the environment and climate change. The focus in the US was more on the political and economic implica­tions of resource scarcity. I hadn’t anticipated how much interest the topic would generate in Wall Street and Washington. The shortage of water – which I identify as the most pressing concern in China – is clearly rising on the global agenda.”

On the thornier side of consumption

“I emphasize the need to restore consumption to healthy levels rather than pushing for unsustainable growth. That upsets some people. When I first did a talk to a group of financiers, one of them came up to me afterwards and said, ‘Nice presentation, but your message on consumption is never going to fly.’”

On whether progress has been better/worse/faster/slower than anticipated

“All of the above! Writing about the environment is like shooting at a target that is moving rapidly in several directions. Progress has been somewhat better than I expected in terms of investment in renewable energy, development of high-speed rail and the expansion of targets for air quality. But river and coastal pol­lution remains appalling, soil quality continues to deteriorate, wildlife protection is utterly inadequate and we are only now becoming aware of the scale of heavy metal poisoning. Throw in signs of worsening climate change and the likelihood of a surge in dam building and coal consump­tion and I think the overall picture is still bleak.”

On eye-opening environmental “field trips” to take in Beijing

“Head out to any of the many waste dumps on the outskirts of the city – an area that photojournalist Wang Jiuliang calls “the seventh ring road.” Wang has mapped the rubbish tips with a GPS and Google earth. Here is a story and video I did with him last year. Alterna­tively, visit Miyun Reservoir, which is a beautiful area, but suffering from falling water levels as Beijing’s thirst increases and the northern droughts persist.”

JONATHAN WATTS' PLAYLIST Songs To Save the Planet To
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“Across the Universe” by The Beatles
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
“The Big Afraid” by 65daysofstatic
“I Love the World” by New Model Army
(Click on the links for video)

Recycle, reduce, reuse with Jonathan Watts at The Bookworm on Jul 7. Click here for more information on the event.