Economic Prosperity and Sustainability in China: Seeking Wisdom from Confucianism and Taoism

Abstract

China has enjoyed miraculous economic growth in the past three decades. The country now has the world’s second largest economy. However, China’s economic expansion has been accompanied with increasing environmental deterioration as the country has become the top global greenhouse gas emitter. There is desperate need for China to adopt a sustainability course, which would allow the right balance between economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental protection. However, is the concept of sustainability new to China? What does the country’s rich history and tradition say about sustainability? This chapter explores the wisdom of Confucius and Lao Tzu , respectively, the founders of Confucianism and Taoism , for references to sustainability. It draws on the implications of some of their many teachings to help discuss possible solutions to problems related to climate change . Absorbing nourishment from the Chinese cultural genes of Confucianism and Taoism is important in efforts aimed at educating Chinese citizens on how to improve their environmental awareness . Their relevance is becoming more apparent as both continue to gain influence in China. Confucian and Tao philosophy can provide useful guidelines for achieving sustainability, particularly for changing the course in the country’s economic development. The chapter provides a strategic model for the proper interaction and integration of the principles of Confucianism, Taoism, and the modern concept of sustainability. China’s rich heritage of Confucian and Tao culture and its recent policy shift towards sustainability will help the nation to alleviate global environment pressure and cooperate with the rest of the world in tackling climate change.