China To Lose W. Virginia-Sized Chunk To Erosion

China warns its people: Erosion could claim 23,800 square miles by 2010 China will lose enough land to just about cover the state of West Virginia by 2010, if nothing is done to stop erosion, the government warned its farmers today. Industrialization, development and destructive farming and mining practices is sending topsoil flowing into rivers and streams at a rate 11.5% faster than in the first five years of the century. The statements by Chinese officials, as repeated in the official state press, show that the country is aware of the problem and trying to do something about it. Related Stories Country-of-Origin Labeling Gets 2nd Look Chinese Seafood Imports Halted China Overtakes U.S. As World's Leading Co2 Polluter Vitamin C, Courtesy Of China China Rejects Climate Rules That Would Harm Economy