ABSTRACT
China's environmental crisis is a matter of global concern. The country's rapid economic growth has been accompanied by a massive increase in fossil fuel consumption and related emissions. This introduction provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains the development and current status of the environmental policies in China, and introduces the relevant actors and institutions. It provides first-hand details of the latest research on environmental challenges and policies related to water management, air pollution, climate change, rural environmental protection, biodiversity, soil conservation and afforestation, disaster risk management and environmental health. The book discusses policy instruments and their enforcement, and looks at the environmental impact of related fields, such as energy policies and urban development. It examines China's environmental policies in an international context, for example, sustainable production and international trade as well as international cooperation on climate protection policies.
