Eco and Low-Carbon New Towns in China: Sustainability Transformation in the Making

This book explores the sustainability transition theory in the context of urbanization in China, tracing the development of eco and low-carbon cities. It examines how ideas on building eco-cities and low-carbon cities travel from nation to nation, how they are adopted in the Chinese administrative context, and what role inter-scalar actors play in getting the ideas transferred, translated, and operationalized on the ground. It offers an overarching theoretical framework that incorporates all urban sustainability experiments in China and conducts a comprehensive analysis of the master plans of these new towns. It explores how they differ from each other and how they influence transition dynamics in practice. By examining four eco and low-carbon new towns deemed representative of current major approaches to sustainability transition management in China, the book provides a detailed depiction of generic transition management and explains the different transitional trajectories for each type of sustainable urban experiment. It demonstrates how subnational-level and city-level transitions mediate the national transition. Through a thorough inquiry into inter-scalar dynamics, institutional arrangements, and techno-social innovations in sustainable urban experiments, the book links generalized transition rules and specific contexts to present a full view of the challenges, failures, and territorial problems of eco and low-carbon new towns.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of sustainability transition theory, specifically focusing on its application in the context of urbanization in China. It traces the evolution of eco and low-carbon cities, exploring how ideas on sustainable urban development transcend national boundaries and find their way into the Chinese administrative landscape. The book examines the role of inter-scalar actors in facilitating the transfer, translation, and operationalization of these ideas on the ground.

Offering a comprehensive theoretical framework that encompasses all urban sustainability experiments in China, the book conducts a thorough analysis of the master plans of these new towns. It summarizes the normative transition targets set for sustainable urban experiments and delves into how these targets differ across different approaches. By examining four representative eco and low-carbon new towns, the book provides a detailed depiction of generic transition management and highlights the distinct transitional trajectories pursued by each type of sustainable urban experiment.

The book explores the interplay between subnational-level and city-level transitions, highlighting how they mediate the broader national transition towards sustainability. Through a deep inquiry into inter-scalar dynamics, institutional arrangements, and techno-social innovations, the book establishes a link between generalized transition rules and specific contexts, presenting a holistic view of the challenges, failures, and territorial problems associated with eco and low-carbon new towns.

This book makes a significant contribution to the study of Chinese urbanization by revisiting the issues and challenges facing contemporary urban China. Its insights and recommendations will be valuable to policymakers, professionals, and the broader public interested in sustainable urban development and the transformation of urban landscapes.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367482756