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McEldowney, John --- "The role of law in the economy and in regulating natural resources and environmental protection in China" [2017] ELECD 1049; in Tan, Celine; Faundez, Julio (eds), "Natural Resources and Sustainable Development" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 208

Book Title: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

Editor(s): Tan, Celine; Faundez, Julio

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781783478378

Section: Chapter 11

Section Title: The role of law in the economy and in regulating natural resources and environmental protection in China

Author(s): McEldowney, John

Number of pages: 29

Abstract/Description:

China offers an important case study on the changing role of law in the protection of natural resources within a developing economy. In the last decade, China has experienced rapid economic growth with a market-driven global influence on the Chinese economy, the second-largest world economy. China’s achievements have been accomplished at a high environmental cost with serious implications for the environment through pollution and the exploitation of natural resources. Faced with severe environmental pollution, public unrest and international pressure, in April 2014 China introduced a new, and in theory much tougher, Environmental Protection Law 2014. The new law for the first time sets penalties for polluters and watchdogs alike that are expected to conform to a tough new regime and greater transparency. Citizen empowerment is intended to ensure that the new law is made effective. Sustainable development is expected to accompany economic development. This chapter provides an initial evaluation of the new Environmental Protection Law that was implemented on 1 January 2015. While it is too soon to calculate the likely success of the new law, it is possible to outline the main provisions of the law and the significance of the new law as the severity of China’s environmental problems is becoming more apparent. Keywords: China; economic growth; environmental protection; governance; international environmental law; natural resources; pollution control