Non-government organizations are poised to mobilize the public to help with efforts to protect the environment, says an article in Chinese Business View. The following is an excerpt:

A non-government organization (NGO) devoted to protecting the environment released a map of air pollution in China on Wednesday. It listed all the big polluters, including both multinational and well-known Chinese companies.

The map stoked public discussion and received wide attention. Its release could signal the start of a new campaign calling for better protection to air quality.

The NGO said the data it used was taken from publicly available sources. It cost the organization little to produce the map, which is clear and easy to read. Its members' enthusiasm for protecting the environment and their innovative means of research are both unique.

About a year ago, the same NGO released a map of water pollution in China that identified key polluters of the country's rivers and lakes, which not only won it international fame but also triggered a series of efforts to curb water pollution.

NGOs have been playing an increasingly important role in the fight to protect the environment in recent years. And they have achieved many victories that should not be ignored. Their successes should spur the rest of the public to take part in the great cause.

Public involvement will be the decisive factor in whether we can protect the environment. It is a safe bet that the situation will improve if NGOs and other groups keep up the good work.

(China Daily December 18, 2007)