This is the first examination of how China is currently dealing with environmental problems and challenges, and of its successes, failures and dilemmas.

This new book gives special attention to the development of ‘environmental governance’ in contemporary China, especially on the urban industrial and infrastructure sectors, showing how the rapid economic growth that has transformed China in recent years has major implications for the environment, as well as future economic development.

Leading international scholars explore a range of key issues, including:

• economic growth and the environment
• the environmental policy process
• the legal framework for environmental protection
• the role of environmental NGOs
• energy policy
• water issues
• biotechnology and GMOs
• the international dimension.

This book shows how environmental policy, politics and governance are core issues posed by China’s accelerated economic development. At the same time it analyzes, illustrates and argues that major steps are under way in taking up these challenges. In doing so the book provides an in-depth, balanced and comprehensive assessment of contemporary environmental reforms in China.

This book was previously published as a special issue of Environmental Governance.