You won’t believe just how bad the pollution problem in China has become. China is the most populous country on the planet, and with economic growth rate at over 10% the environment is paying a heavy toll.

Pollution in China remains largely unchecked and as a result the country contains some of the dirtiest air in the world. Hence why people walk through the city wearing dust masks for protection against the thick clouds of smog. China is home to many polluted, unusable waterways, as well as swaths of garbage-infested land.

These shocking photos reveal how bad China’s pollution problem has become. Hopefully these images help spark action before it’s too late!