Final answer:
China's rapid economic growth has made it one of the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide, due to its industrialization and increased energy use from fossil fuels like coal. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the consequences of China's rapid economic growth. Among the options presented, the correct answer is that China has become one of the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide. This growth, especially since the late 1970s, has been fueled by China's industrialization, increased energy demands, and the country's shift to a market-based economy.
The construction of factories and the production of goods for multinational corporations, coupled with increased consumer demands and a rising standard of living, have led to significant environmental challenges such as air pollution, soil erosion, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels like coal.
As a result of these changes, China has also become more integrated in the global economic network, depending more on other countries for oil, raw materials, and technology, and serving as a hub for manufacturing. These developments have placed China on a path where its economy is predicted to become the world's largest by 2030.
Hence, Option D is correct.