The Changing Role of China in Global Environmental Governance

As the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the largest consumer of various commodities in the world, China has been often seen as a major problem for global transition to cleaner energy and more sustainable use of natural resources. Nonetheless, with its significant investment in clean energy and support to the Paris Agreement, China seems to become increasingly active in leading actions to protect the environment. Will be China a new leader in global environmental governance? The essay reviews China’s proactive environmental policy in three fronts – climate mitigation, green finance, and pollution control. It further argues that a transition to green economy in China requires that private actors be empowered and actively engage in governance, the fragmented governance structure be unified, and public awareness on sustainable development be raised.