China Goes Green: Coercive Environmentalism for a Troubled Planet

China's pursuit of "ecological civilization" offers hope for a radical new approach to environmental governance, but it also raises concerns about citizen surveillance and geopolitical influence. This book explores both the promises and risks of a green authoritarianism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2020
Publisher: Polity Press

China's pursuit of "ecological civilization" presents a complex and multifaceted picture for the future of the planet. Despite its staggering pollution and colossal appetite for resources, China exemplifies a model of state-led environmentalism that concentrates decisive political, economic, and epistemic power under centralized leadership. On the surface, China seems to embody hope for a radical new approach to environmental governance.

In this thought-provoking book, Yifei Li and Judith Shapiro delve into the concrete mechanisms of China's coercive environmentalism to explore how "going green" serves as a tool for the state to further its own agendas, including citizen surveillance and geopolitical influence. Through top-down initiatives, regulations, and campaigns aimed at mitigating pollution and environmental degradation, the Chinese authorities also seek to exert control over the behavior of individuals and enterprises, pacify borderlands, and expand Chinese power and influence along the Belt and Road and even into the global commons.

Given the limited time that remains to mitigate climate change and protect millions of species from extinction, it is crucial to consider whether a green authoritarianism can offer a viable path forward. This book aims to explore both the promises and risks associated with this approach.

One of the key aspects of China's environmental governance is its emphasis on centralized decision-making and top-down initiatives. The Chinese government has implemented a series of policies and regulations to promote environmental sustainability, including the establishment of environmental protection agencies, the implementation of carbon emissions trading systems, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. These policies have had a significant impact on China's environmental performance, with the country making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

However, the pursuit of "ecological civilization" also comes with risks and challenges. One of the concerns is the potential for authoritarianism to override democratic processes and individual rights. In China, the government has been known to use coercive measures to suppress dissent and control the behavior of citizens and enterprises. This has led to concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

Another concern is the impact of China's environmental policies on the global environment. While China has made significant progress in reducing its carbon emissions, it is still one of the world's largest producers of greenhouse gases and a major contributor to global climate change. This has led to calls for China to take more ambitious action to reduce its emissions and support international efforts to address climate change.

Despite these concerns, there are also reasons to be optimistic about China's environmental governance. One of the most significant is the country's commitment to sustainable development and the recognition of the importance of environmental protection for economic growth and social stability. China has also demonstrated a willingness to learn from international experiences and to collaborate with other countries to address global environmental challenges.

In conclusion, China's pursuit of "ecological civilization" presents a complex and multifaceted picture for the future of the planet. While the country's environmental governance model has achieved significant progress in reducing pollution and promoting sustainability, it also raises concerns about authoritarianism, global environmental impact, and the need for more ambitious action. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, it is crucial to consider the lessons learned from China's experience and to work towards a model of environmental governance that balances the needs of the environment, society, and the economy.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509543120