An environmental disaster in China – could this cause a conundrum for investors who want exchange traded funds (ETFs) that contain China while also wishing to support socially responsible countries and companies?

Carl Delfeld in Forbes lists some alarming facts about China’s environmental record. Among them:

• It’s the world leader in air and water pollution
• Sixteen of the world’s most polluted cities are in China
• According to the World Wildlife Fund, it’s the largest polluter of the Pacific Ocean
• Chinese experts believe that only about 10% of China’s environmental laws are consistently enforced

China obviously has its work cut out for it. If American firms begin stepping in to help China address its environmental issues, a number of ETFs stand to benefit.

• PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio (PBW)
• PowerShares Cleantech (PZD)
• Market Vectors Environmental Services (EVX)
• Claymore/LGA Green (GRN)
• PowerShares WilderHill Progressive Energy (PUW)
• First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid (QCLN)
• Market Vectors Nuclear Energy (NLR)

Tags: Asia, China, Green ETFs