China has overtaken the United States in pollution levels. We are no longer the world’s greatest atmospheric polluter. Chinese cities recently have suffered dangerous levels of smog. China is discovering a darker side to becoming the world’s second greatest economic power.

A half century and more ago, some cities in the United States suffered smog equal to what China is experiencing now. In 1948, toxic smog from industries in Donora, Pennsylvania, is reported to have killed twenty people and left thousands sickened. Concern over air pollution grew and eventually led to the Federal Air Pollution Control Act of 1955. This was the first national law designed to improve air quality. This and other legislation means that the U.S. continues to lead the world in most economic spheres but not in pollution.

We still are the world’s second greatest polluter. Interestingly, the Chinese now seek leadership in another area of development. They are investing in what is called “green” technology, that is, technology which encourages growth with less pollution.

A race to develop green technology is blessedly different from an arms race. If we invest in such technologies in this country, we might continue to lead the world economically without the scourge of pollution. In addition, the development of sustainable energy would lessen our dependence on unstable parts of the world for fossil fuels, an added benefit.