TED Talks Daily An interactive map to track (and end) pollution in China | Ma Jun
Aug 10, 2021
Ma Jun, a prominent Chinese environmentalist, introduces his revolutionary Blue Map app designed to combat pollution in China. He discusses how the app empowers citizens to report violations and access real-time environmental data. Ma emphasizes the importance of transparency in holding companies accountable, motivating over 14,000 factories to improve their pollution practices. With China's goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, he highlights the need for innovative solutions and community engagement in achieving sustainable environmental change.
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Lake Tai Pollution
- Ma Jun witnessed fishermen removing algae blooms from Lake Tai, once pristine enough for swimming.
- The fishermen blamed nearby factories for polluting the lake and harming their livelihood.
Initial Sourcing Challenges
- Multinational brands initially claimed ignorance about polluting suppliers in China, prioritizing cost.
- This incentivized suppliers to cut corners environmentally to remain competitive.
Blue Map Impact
- The Blue Map database, with over 2 million pollution violation records, changed sourcing practices.
- When brands like Gap pressured a polluting dyehouse supplier, the company invested millions in wastewater treatment.