The Changing Landscape of Environmental Public Participation and Protest in China

As the ‘war’ on pollution continues in China, the Chinese public and environmental NGOs have been taking advantage of more formal and informal channels to voice their concern about worsening air, water and soil quality. At this March 23rd CEF meeting, speakers will discuss China’s evolving space for public participation vis-a-vis environmental problems.  Wu Fengshi (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) will speak about the changing nature of public contention in China exemplified by recent large-scale anti-development and environmental protests. Drawing on the second edition of her highly acclaimed book—China’s Environmental Challenges—Judith Shapiro (American University) will highlight other ways that citizens and NGOs are responding to the intense pollution enveloping their country.

Photo Credit: Many protesters opposing the expansion of a state-run Sinopec plant said they were wary of the government’s about-face, courtesy of New York Times.

Judith Shapiro's website and to obtain second edition of China's Environmental Challenges: please visit www.judithshapiro.com.