China: Deepening Cooperation on Climate and Environmental Governance

Abstract

As a result of chronic environmental challenges, China’s political leadership has paid increasing attention to the ecological limits of rapid economic growth. As concern has grown, China’s leaders have looked beyond their borders for solutions. Hence, climate change and environment have emerged as increasingly prominent and productive dimensions of the EU-China relationship. This chapter argues that China has looked to—and adopted—European-inspired environmental policies, such as emissions trading, and environmental decision-making institutions. Other non-European actors have also played prominent roles in China. We trace how European-inspired policies on greenhouse gas emissions trading and environmental decision-making institutions have been modified, sometimes significantly, in the process of adoption in China. Challenges remain with respect to their implementation and ultimate effectiveness in a Chinese context.