China’s Response to Its Environmental Challenges

The rapid economic development of the past 25 years that has been so beneficial for China’s citizens has produced devastating consequences for its environment. China’s increasing demand for energy and resources may spread the problem beyond China’s borders and affect habitats, resources, and economies on a global scale. At this CNAPS Roundtable Luncheon, Elizabeth Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations discussed China’s strategy for environmental protection, which is modeled on its strategy for economic reform. Nigel Purvis, Brookings Scholar on Environment, Development and Global Issues, commented on China’s approach to global environmental challenges.