China's 'Green Leap Forward' Toward Global Environmental Leadership

26 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2011

See all articles by Robert V. Percival

Robert V. Percival

University of Maryland - Francis King Carey School of Law

Date Written: November 7, 2011

Abstract

This article argues that China may be on the verge of a “Green Leap Forward” that could make it a global environmental leader. This article argues that two principal forces have contributed to this development. First, Chinese officials now realize that a global shift away from fossil fuels will create enormous business opportunities on a global scale. Chinese companies are now making enormous strides in the development of green technology, such as solar power, wind energy, and electric cars, with the active assistance of the Chinese government. Second, realizing that climate change severely threatens China, and stung by the criticism it received for its stance during the December 2009 Copenhagen conference, the Chinese government now realizes that it must play a more constructive global leadership role on environmental issues.

Keywords: People's Republic of China, environment, public health, fossil fuel, climate change, green technology

Suggested Citation

Percival, Robert V., China's 'Green Leap Forward' Toward Global Environmental Leadership (November 7, 2011). Vermont Journal of Environmental Law, Vol. 12, p. 633, 2011, U of Maryland Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-50, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1955928

Robert V. Percival (Contact Author)

University of Maryland - Francis King Carey School of Law ( email )

500 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-1786
United States

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