ABSTRACT
Although its citizenry historically maintained small individual ecological footprints, the extent of environmental degradation during the period of the “Great Leap Forward” and “Cultural Revolution” was substantial due to the interaction of several factors. First, there was heavy population density in many regions. Second, huge public works projects were undertaken with little or no environmental or social forethought (e.g., dam construction, factory sitings, coal and mineral extraction). Third, many utilities and other factories utilized heavily polluting technologies. Finally, public awareness of this loss of natural capital was restricted and those directly affected had little recourse.
