China, the Environment, & the Global Green Finance Transition, __ UCLA Pacific Basin Law Journal __ (forthcoming)

Abstract

Although once seen as irrelevant to environmental protection, financial regulation has become a critical component of global climate change responses, as recognized by the Paris Agreement. China has joined the many other governments and international organizations worldwide who are actively engaged in promoting regulatory reforms and voluntary initiatives to advance a green finance transition. China's green finance reforms also aim to incentivize financial institutions and companies to address their own climate and environmental impacts. This essay surveys these developments and places them in international context.

Keywords: China, green finance, environment, securities law, ESG, sustainability, green credit, green banking, taxonomy, disclosure regulation, climate disclosure, climate