The political economy of China's energy and climate paradox

Abstract This communication argues for the existence of a fundamental paradox related to Chinese energy and climate policy, made all the more discernible by trends in the electricity sector, urban development, and transportation. It first makes the case for the “browning” of China, identifying trends in electricity, pollution, and transportation that highlight the unsustainable nature of their present predicament. The second section, however, points to countervailing trends suggesting that China is also “greening,” becoming cleaner and less carbon intensive. The article concludes by noting that Chinese governance is excessively fragmented and that environmental sustainability may be incompatible with the accepted model of economic growth.

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