China and Its Environment
Abstract
Former President Bill Clinton referred to the relationship with China as one that, "...will in large measure help to determine whether the new century is one of security, peace, and prosperity for the American people." The Clinton administration further defined environmental threats as posing threats to US security and well being, as stated in the opening quote. China has focused significant effort on economic development to improve its position as a player in the international community and to deal with its growing population. A major downside to economic development has been the resultant damage caused to the environment. China is plagued by a number of severe environmental problems, specifically air and water pollution, that adversely affect the quality of living of its population, that impact the environments and economies of regional neighbors, and that have the potential to cause global environmental and economic degradation. Should the US be concerned about the environmental plight of China, a country thousands of miles from the United States? Does China s internal environmental situation have an impact on US national interests, security, and prosperity? These are questions the Bush administration must consider in defining its policy towards China. This paper will highlight China's primary environmental problems, the impact on regional neighbors and the international community, China's environmental protection program, and US environmental diplomacy toward China.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA441668
Entities
People
- Teresa Barrett
Organizations
- National War College