Policy Press

Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development in China

Hong Kong in Global Context

By Paul G. Harris

Published

May 16, 2012

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447305071

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 16, 2012

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447305088

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 16, 2012

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447308348

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 16, 2012

Page count

304 pages

ISBN

978-1447308355

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development in China

Drawing on practices and theories of sustainability, Environmental policy and sustainable development in China explores the prospects for achieving environmentally benign economic and social development in China and beyond. Using the Chinese 'world city' of Hong Kong as a backdrop and case study, it introduces major conceptions of sustainability, describes historical and political contexts for environmental policymaking, and analyses key challenges related to sustainable development, including air pollution, water quality, waste, transport and climate change. The book will be a valuable and unique resource for students, teachers and readers interested in environmental policy, sustainable development and ecological governance, especially in China and Hong Kong.

All of the author's royalties from sales of this book will be donated by Policy Press to Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) and WWF (Hong Kong).

"This is an invaluable text for students of sustainable development policies in China and Hong Kong. Offering detailed studies on a range of issues, Harris provides an extremely useful resource for students and researchers alike. " Gabriela Kütting, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

"From the fascinating case of Hong Kong, Paul Harris offers an engaging examination of the prospects of and challenges for sustainable development where it is least expected and most needed." Steve Vanderheiden, University of Colorado at Boulder

"Rich communities still struggle between development and environment - Hong Kong's story provides an example of how Chinese cities may evolve. Professor Harris gives us a thorough analysis of the challenge of achieving sustainability." Christine Loh, Undersecretary for the Environment, Hong Kong

"Internationally renowned for his expertise in China and sustainable development, Paul Harris has written another marvellous book. The gap between the promise and practice of sustainable development in Hong Kong is growing - but so is the potential. Harris argues powerfully that the talents and resources available to Hong Kong could put it in the first rank of sustainable cities, and that this is vital not only for Hong Kong and China but for the world as a whole. Environmental policy and sustainable development in China is written primarily for undergraduate students, but its relevance ranges far and wide. Not to be missed." Andrew Dobson, University of Keele

Paul G. Harris is Chair Professor of Global and Environmental Studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. He is author or editor of 15 books on global environmental politics, policy and ethics, including China's Responsibility for Climate Change (Policy Press). 

Introduction; Part One: Conceptions of sustainable development: Conceptualising sustainable development; Origins and critiques of sustainable development; Implementing sustainable development; Part Two: Contexts for sustainable development in China's world city: Geography and population; History and development; Government institutions and policy priorities; Consumption and a city's environmental footprint; Part Three: Challenges of sustainable development: Air; Water; Energy and climate change; Transportation; Environmental spaces; Conclusion.