ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview on how the three countries - Australia, China and Japan - have faced a range of environmental issues and the risks posed to society by pollution and other manifestations of environmental degradation, including climate change. It identifies how these issues have emerged within the domestic context. The chapter clarifies locus of responsibility in tackling pollution and other environmental risks, as illustrated by the actions taken by a range of different stakeholders, including governments, media, non-governmental organisations and local citizens. The environmental risks faced by the Australian government and people are largely a result of the environmental challenges resulting from the exploitation of natural resources for not only Australia's own growth, but also to support economic development elsewhere, including in China and Japan. Unlike in the cases of Japan and Australia, where international pressure and media have been integral to the way climate change has been addressed, China continues as a major source of environmental risks.
