Air Pollution in China

I recently had to write a research paper for geography on the air pollution condition in China. I had no idea what I was writing about, or the disturbing information that I found when researching the topic. The extremely unsafe level of air pollution in China is so bad, that there is a rise in respiratory diseases, cancer patients, birth defects and other serious health concerns among citizens. Visitors to the more industrialized business districts even find that it is hard to breathe and coughing is nearly constant. I could not believe some of the statistics that I discovered, like due to air pollution and acid rain, over 90% of Chinese citizens consume contaminated water every day! That is really alarming, but it also makes me very grateful for the clean air and clean water that I am blessed with. I know that sometimes I complain or joke about living out in the middle of nowhere, but with its cons comes many pros, like clean air and water for example. I don't have to wear a mask during my morning commute, pure filtered water isn't a privilege for me, and knowing that every breath that I take isn't filled with toxins and synthetic poisons is so reassuring.
This research, like all of my other school projects, papers and exams, provided me with a learning experience that reaches farther than just the condition of China's air. I learned to be grateful for the things that I take for granted everyday; clean water, fresh air, and my health. God is so good to me!