China's Climate Change Mitigation Efforts from an Ecological Modernization Perspective

For some time now, Beijing has been known as a climate change laggard, refusing to commit to binding emission reduction targets at the international level. Although the Hu-Wen administration has elevated the energy and climate issue to the highest domestic political level, the rationale behind this move derives mainly from economic and energy security considerations. The framework of climate-relevant measures has been tightened, ambitious domestic targets to slow the growth of greenhouse gas output have been set out, and measures to promote the development and deployment of climate-friendly technologies implemented, thus suggesting that Beijing is increasingly incorporating environmental considerations in its policy formation. However, clearing the path toward an eco-modernized society requires major transformations in political, economic, and social institutions. This study analyzes developments in China's climate policy from an ecological modernization perspective. Although China has undertaken some remarkable climate-relevant action, this study concludes that its transition can only be partly explained by concepts of ecological modernization.