ABSTRACT
This chapter is a study of the role of Chinese environmental journalism in enhancing and supporting public participation in environmental areas. It defi nes the meaning of public participation in the Chinese context, and examines how the Chinese news media has facilitated public participation in environmental issues at the following three levels:
1. Informing and educating the public about environmental issues; 2. Observing and inspiring discussion and action by presenting diversi-
fi ed views and confl icting interests; 3. Facilitating informed participation in government decision making on
projects that have environmental impacts.
