The Jiangmen local government in Guangdong province cancelled the nuclear energy project on July 13 after extending the deadline to solicit public opinion on the project, reflecting the importance authorities attach to people's views on environmental issues, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

That the environment has to be protected has become a national consensus. But the challenge is to strike the right balance between economic development and environmental protection. And the authorities also have to consider the potential pollution threat posed by certain projects and people's environmental sensitivity before deciding to go ahead with a project.

Lack of proper knowledge about nuclear power generation has made people apprehensive of nuclear technology, although it is considered safe by many experts. The failure to fully inform local people in advance about nuclear projects in their area further fueled their fears. So the authorities should take residents into confidence before taking the final call on a project in any area, otherwise they will invite opposition.

Many an environment-related incident shows the greatest stumbling block in environmental protection is lack of knowledge. People need better understanding of projects such as nuclear power plants, instead of opposing every new scheme in their area. Therefore, it is necessary for government departments to inform the people in advance and for the media to actively guide the public in a positive and constructive way.

If measures are taken in advance to inform the public about a project and a third-party authority is introduced to conduct safety assessments, followed by public hearings, many confrontations on the environment front could be avoided and a win-win situation created for environmental protection as well as economic development.