Ma Jun (environmental engineer)

Ma Jun is a prominent Chinese environmentalist, author, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant. He is best known for his work on environmental data transparency and leveraging public participation to drive corporate environmental accountability in China.

Born in Qingdao, China, Ma Jun earned a degree in international economics from the University of International Relations and a Master's degree in public administration from Yale University.

Ma Jun is the founder and director of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), a non-profit organization based in Beijing. IPE has pioneered the development and use of environmental databases in China, most notably the China Water Pollution Map and the China Air Pollution Map. These databases aggregate publicly available data from government environmental monitoring agencies, allowing citizens to track pollution levels and identify polluting companies.

IPE utilizes this data to encourage companies to improve their environmental performance through its "Green Choice Alliance" program. This initiative works with major brands to pressure their suppliers to adopt cleaner production practices. IPE's work has been influential in raising environmental awareness among the Chinese public and in pushing for greater corporate environmental responsibility.

Ma Jun is the author of "China's Water Crisis," a groundbreaking book published in 1999 that highlighted the severity of water pollution in China. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2012 and the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2015. He is widely considered a leading voice in the environmental movement in China and globally. His work demonstrates the power of information and public participation in driving environmental change.