New Policies and Evaluation System Needed to Address Environmental Concerns in China

摘要

It is reported that the smog days in 2018 were much reduced compared to those in 2013 in China. The air environmental condition in China was much improved because of a number of comprehensive strategies adopted by the government such as phasing out backward production capacities and developing renewable energy industries. In addition, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China adopted a series of measurements to respond to the environmental events, including questioning the local highest official in serious air pollution areas. However, there are still lots of questions to be answered for a long term consideration. For instance, given the current situation of a gross domestic production (GDP) driven assessment system for officials’ credit, how long this high pressure pattern can respond to environmental events, such as air pollution, issue is a question. Therefore, unless this GDP driven assessment system is replaced by another assessment system it cannot last long. This paper also highlights the importance of developing low-carbon industries and circular economy as well as public involvement.