Environmental protection in the people's republic of China

Environmental degradation in China has become a serious problem of substantial magnitude, and, despite notable efforts at pollution control, as Chinese industrialization and economic growth continue there will be increasing pressures on the environment. This paper provides perspective on environmental pollution in China and an analysis of the policy response. Recent environmental data are summarized followed by consideration of the centrally planned nature of China's economy, features of Chinese law and bureaucracy, aspects of economic reform and a critical description of policies adopted.