ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces China’s environmental governance and summarizes its features as the manifestation of state entrepreneurialism. The state maintains its centrality of ‘ecological civilization’ while mobilizing market and societal actors to achieve socio-ecological sustainability. The chapter first introduces theoretical perspectives on environmental change and governance, notably the socio-ecological fix, eco-state restructuring, and the multi-level perspective on low-carbon transition. Then, the chapter briefly reviews the history of changing environmental governance in China. Next, the chapter explains major environmental policies and practices in eco-cities, low-carbon development, and greenways. The chapter then focuses on state strategies, unpacking the meaning of ‘ecological civilization’ and explaining the role of the multi-scalar state in environmental governance. Further, the chapter examines market operations, especially development corporations, and the involvement of society through public participation and environmental activism. The chapter reveals that the core issue of China’s environmental governance, particularly during the socio-ecological fix, is the tension between the capital and territorial logic. Finally, the chapter reflects on the relevance of these theoretical concepts to China.
