Below is a copy of a proposal that I did for a graduate-level class in 2007. Yours does not need to be as long nor as well researched, but this should give you an idea of what is expected.
Environmental Development of China with an Emphasis on Climate Change
Paul R. Joy
MAPS 601
Comparative Modernization of East Asia
Thursday, December 13, 2007
MAPS 601
Comparative Modernization of East Asia
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Abstract
Chinese history is extremely rich and long in length, stretching back 5000 years. This history includes a severe climate crisis that occurred in the 17th century CE (1600-1699). I have found that changes in temperature during that period played a significant role on economic growth, political stability, and social cohesion, negatively effecting these aspects of society. A demographic crisis resulted in the death of millions of Chinese, through smallpox infections, violent rebellion, the eventual overthrow of the Ming Dynasty, and the creation of the Qing Dynasty. However, given our current climate crisis, and the record-levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere, due to continued and expanding use of fossil fuels, the role climate change had on the 17th century crisis in China requires a closer look. The actions of governmental officials, farmers, businesspeople, and other members of 17th century China should be closely examined so that we can learn from this past climate crisis. In this way, we have further hindsight to react to our own crisis in a more responsible and ultimately beneficial manner for China, her citizens, and the rest of an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Chinese history is extremely rich and long in length, stretching back 5000 years. This history includes a severe climate crisis that occurred in the 17th century CE (1600-1699). I have found that changes in temperature during that period played a significant role on economic growth, political stability, and social cohesion, negatively effecting these aspects of society. A demographic crisis resulted in the death of millions of Chinese, through smallpox infections, violent rebellion, the eventual overthrow of the Ming Dynasty, and the creation of the Qing Dynasty. However, given our current climate crisis, and the record-levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere, due to continued and expanding use of fossil fuels, the role climate change had on the 17th century crisis in China requires a closer look. The actions of governmental officials, farmers, businesspeople, and other members of 17th century China should be closely examined so that we can learn from this past climate crisis. In this way, we have further hindsight to react to our own crisis in a more responsible and ultimately beneficial manner for China, her citizens, and the rest of an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Background Section – Historiography/Literature Review
The literature review outlined in the annotated bibliography represents both a historical frame point as well as a contemporary point of view with regard to China's environmental history. The historical records were important to understand past environmental challenges with respect to changes in climate, revolution (especially the rebellions at the end of the Ming Dynasty), literary and popular sentiment, disease, and also environmental protection as it relates to economic growth. While there was not as much detail regarding the past, the work of Dr. Mark Elvin, Liu Ts'ui-jung, Dwight Perkins, Brian Fagan and others provided ever-important context on which to contemporary problems in context of where Chinese civilization has been in the past. The record of current environmental degradation in China is substantial. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Economy, and touched on by others (Day, Shirk, etc.) there is no doubt that continued environmental degradation, especially in an era of rapid climate change not seen in the history of civilization, is an issue that is becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, the work of scientists, both Chinese and Western, in highlighting many of the current details also helps to understand the current picture. That is why the work described in various scientific journals (Journal of Environmental Management, Science, Journal of Comparative Economics, Journal of Asian Studies, and the CNA corporation) helps to further contextualize the specific challenges related to China's environment, and also to its economic growth.
China has always had environmental problems, as had the rest of human civilization. The historical context of these problems is led by Dr. Mark Elvin, the foremost expert when it comes to China's environmental history. Dr. Elvin's book, The Retreat of the Elephants, uses these large mammals as a metaphor describing the changing Chinese ecosystem across the centuries. Elephants used to be prevalent throughout China, all the way up to what is now Beijing and Tianjin. However, today they exist only in southern Yunnan province, on the border of Laos. The Chinese people have been able to adapt, but not without setbacks (disease, crop failures, lack of water), to new circumstances. And certainly they are not alone. In Non-Zero, Robert Wright also writes about this history of people as that of encountering challenges, and overcoming them. Without problems, or even without competition, evolution slows dramatically. So what both of these men write about is compatible and incredibly insightful.
The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing. But it is still important to understand current challenges. Dr. Elizabeth Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations is a foremost expert on current Chinese environmental problems. Her award-winning book, The River Runs Black, is detailed and insightful due to her ability to succinctly describe China's modern environmental problems. Take, for
The literature review outlined in the annotated bibliography represents both a historical frame point as well as a contemporary point of view with regard to China's environmental history. The historical records were important to understand past environmental challenges with respect to changes in climate, revolution (especially the rebellions at the end of the Ming Dynasty), literary and popular sentiment, disease, and also environmental protection as it relates to economic growth. While there was not as much detail regarding the past, the work of Dr. Mark Elvin, Liu Ts'ui-jung, Dwight Perkins, Brian Fagan and others provided ever-important context on which to contemporary problems in context of where Chinese civilization has been in the past. The record of current environmental degradation in China is substantial. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Economy, and touched on by others (Day, Shirk, etc.) there is no doubt that continued environmental degradation, especially in an era of rapid climate change not seen in the history of civilization, is an issue that is becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, the work of scientists, both Chinese and Western, in highlighting many of the current details also helps to understand the current picture. That is why the work described in various scientific journals (Journal of Environmental Management, Science, Journal of Comparative Economics, Journal of Asian Studies, and the CNA corporation) helps to further contextualize the specific challenges related to China's environment, and also to its economic growth.
China has always had environmental problems, as had the rest of human civilization. The historical context of these problems is led by Dr. Mark Elvin, the foremost expert when it comes to China's environmental history. Dr. Elvin's book, The Retreat of the Elephants, uses these large mammals as a metaphor describing the changing Chinese ecosystem across the centuries. Elephants used to be prevalent throughout China, all the way up to what is now Beijing and Tianjin. However, today they exist only in southern Yunnan province, on the border of Laos. The Chinese people have been able to adapt, but not without setbacks (disease, crop failures, lack of water), to new circumstances. And certainly they are not alone. In Non-Zero, Robert Wright also writes about this history of people as that of encountering challenges, and overcoming them. Without problems, or even without competition, evolution slows dramatically. So what both of these men write about is compatible and incredibly insightful.
The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing. But it is still important to understand current challenges. Dr. Elizabeth Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations is a foremost expert on current Chinese environmental problems. Her award-winning book, The River Runs Black, is detailed and insightful due to her ability to succinctly describe China's modern environmental problems. Take, for
example, her first chapter on the Huai River. This is a river in central China that is perhaps the most polluted in all of China. Governmental officials of the PRC have led efforts to clean up the river, mostly through the influx of capital or the closing or factories for temporary periods of time, but Economy's ability see the problems (high instances of cancer, pancreatic disorders, etc) brought about from the use of heavily polluted water really hits her thesis home. In addition, her points are further enhanced through scientific journals, for example Changhua Wu's article entitled “Water Pollution and Human Health in China.” I think the work of authors, led by Economy, and backed up through scientific study from the various journals is extremely important at providing further detail and also giving relevance to what the authors discuss.
But one area where historical records did not match current literature is with regard to climate change. Climate change is the biggest challenge of the 21st century, given the accelerated rise of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. While climate change has occurred in the past, as Dr. Fagan's book highlights, the consequences of those changes in China have not been well-documented, nor compared to our current planetary crisis in an analytical manner. Historical climate change research is difficult, but we can measure various greenhouse gas concentrations from years past, thanks to ice-cores from Greenland and Antarctica. It is the consequences of these changes that has not been well-studied, and that is certainly a direction that should be investigated more fully, especially given the role China is playing and will continue to play today with regard to ongoing climate change.
But one area where historical records did not match current literature is with regard to climate change. Climate change is the biggest challenge of the 21st century, given the accelerated rise of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. While climate change has occurred in the past, as Dr. Fagan's book highlights, the consequences of those changes in China have not been well-documented, nor compared to our current planetary crisis in an analytical manner. Historical climate change research is difficult, but we can measure various greenhouse gas concentrations from years past, thanks to ice-cores from Greenland and Antarctica. It is the consequences of these changes that has not been well-studied, and that is certainly a direction that should be investigated more fully, especially given the role China is playing and will continue to play today with regard to ongoing climate change.
Description of Research
The research I wish to do would follow the work of Dr. Brian Fagan, but instead of focusing on Europe the way he did, my research would focus on China. It would look directly at climatic changes within China, and seek to highlight how these climatic changes played a role in the economic, social, and political situation in 17th century China. This question is important because of the ever-increasing problems related to anthropocentric-induced climate change here in the 21st century, and the role China has to play to help mitigate this problem. China is the most populous country in the world, and it has overtaken the United States in the amount of greenhouse gases emits every year. Furthermore, its development in the last thirty years, while bringing millions out of poverty, has severely degraded its fragile ecosystems. These occurrences have the potential to change the very foundation of our global economic system, making them important for billions of people. My research will focus on agricultural development, the advent of new technologies to help overcome environmental problems, the relationship between urban and rural Chinese citizens, the role of the government in setting economic and agrarian policy, and also the role that rebellion played in the 17th century. How did climate change in the 17th century affect the demographics of China's population, the transportation of goods and services, as well as communication between regional governments, businesspeople, and international trade between China and Europe, Japan, and the Americas? I hypothesis that the experience of China in the 17th century was very difficult, and that the change of climate played a significant role to the economic, social, and political changes that China experienced that century.
My research has indicated that the climate change in the 17th century, while not caused by humans, had many detrimental effects in Europe. And it lasted for a significant period of time. Experts today note that our current climate crisis is worse than the one experienced in the 17th century. But the world in the 17th century, with increased trade across the oceans, the cross-cultural meetings, and increasing economic interdependence is most similar to our world today. In that sense, it is an important period as it was not long ago. Civilization has certainly changed in the past 300 years, but not as much as in the past 20,000 years. Our close historical proximity to the 17th century is extremely important with regard to our ability to adapt to higher temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations, and the type of environmental impacts we most certainly are and will continue to experience. This project will, however, not provide a broad overview of all instances of climatic change throughout Chinese history. Another research project would be needed to fully understand the effects, if any, climate had on Mongolian invasions, including those of Genghis Khan. Nor will this research project simply focus on only one aspect of the Chinese economy. Certainly agricultural development has always and continues to play an important role in the advancement of the Chinese
The research I wish to do would follow the work of Dr. Brian Fagan, but instead of focusing on Europe the way he did, my research would focus on China. It would look directly at climatic changes within China, and seek to highlight how these climatic changes played a role in the economic, social, and political situation in 17th century China. This question is important because of the ever-increasing problems related to anthropocentric-induced climate change here in the 21st century, and the role China has to play to help mitigate this problem. China is the most populous country in the world, and it has overtaken the United States in the amount of greenhouse gases emits every year. Furthermore, its development in the last thirty years, while bringing millions out of poverty, has severely degraded its fragile ecosystems. These occurrences have the potential to change the very foundation of our global economic system, making them important for billions of people. My research will focus on agricultural development, the advent of new technologies to help overcome environmental problems, the relationship between urban and rural Chinese citizens, the role of the government in setting economic and agrarian policy, and also the role that rebellion played in the 17th century. How did climate change in the 17th century affect the demographics of China's population, the transportation of goods and services, as well as communication between regional governments, businesspeople, and international trade between China and Europe, Japan, and the Americas? I hypothesis that the experience of China in the 17th century was very difficult, and that the change of climate played a significant role to the economic, social, and political changes that China experienced that century.
My research has indicated that the climate change in the 17th century, while not caused by humans, had many detrimental effects in Europe. And it lasted for a significant period of time. Experts today note that our current climate crisis is worse than the one experienced in the 17th century. But the world in the 17th century, with increased trade across the oceans, the cross-cultural meetings, and increasing economic interdependence is most similar to our world today. In that sense, it is an important period as it was not long ago. Civilization has certainly changed in the past 300 years, but not as much as in the past 20,000 years. Our close historical proximity to the 17th century is extremely important with regard to our ability to adapt to higher temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations, and the type of environmental impacts we most certainly are and will continue to experience. This project will, however, not provide a broad overview of all instances of climatic change throughout Chinese history. Another research project would be needed to fully understand the effects, if any, climate had on Mongolian invasions, including those of Genghis Khan. Nor will this research project simply focus on only one aspect of the Chinese economy. Certainly agricultural development has always and continues to play an important role in the advancement of the Chinese
economy, but it will not be the sole focus of my research. Instead, agricultural development would be looked at in the context of transportation links, governmental policy, the continued technological advancement.
How will this project be carried out? First of all, a more complete look at 17th century Chinese history is paramount. This will be done through a close examination of the literature available. Specifically, literature relating to Ming governmental policy, agricultural development, transportation links, the size of the urban population (and the economic strengths of the various cities), health care, education (especially literacy), and also the role of international diplomacy and trade. Globalization, while a fairly recent term, is an old process enhanced through the ease of transport and communication. Also, this project would draw on the work of anthropologists who continue to uncover previously unknown or forgotten aspects of Chinese historical and cultural development. Little, if any, field work would be required on my part. However, some fieldwork could be performed after a close examination of the literature to gain more detail about, for example, agricultural development. This would be in the form of an anthropological dig. Such a dig would have to have the approval of the local and national government in China, and would have to respect any and all historical artifacts uncovered.
Because climate issues have the potential to affect virtually all aspects of societal life, this project would have to be careful to double-check and triple-check developments to make certain that indeed X, Y, or Z was due to 17th century climate change. While the work of one researcher certainly gives weight to any developments, it would be my job to search for further sources to back up what the first researcher said. That way, biases resulting from my own views would be lessened, and this project would be much more credible and professional. Furthermore, it is extremely important to avoid tunnel vision by looking only for evidence that fits the thesis. As the primary researcher, I would need to include any and all counter-arguments into my research project, and discuss differences between casual correlation and actual causation of various climate change occurrences. The climate change debate of the twentieth century was incredibly contentious and long-lasting. While it appears that it is waining, and with the the huge accumulation of evidence pointing to anthropocentric influences, a book looking at 17th century climate change in China would have to be equally careful to address opposing points of view.
With these pitfalls in mind, the evidence I have uncovered thus far gives strong weight toward the detrimental affects of 17th century climate change. Dr. Fagan writes in his book that “From the 1630s, China's Ming empire faced widespread drought. The government's draconian response caused widespread revolt, and Manchu attacks from the north increased in intensity. By the 1640s, even the fertile Yangtze River Valley of the south suffered from serious drought, then catastrophic floods,
How will this project be carried out? First of all, a more complete look at 17th century Chinese history is paramount. This will be done through a close examination of the literature available. Specifically, literature relating to Ming governmental policy, agricultural development, transportation links, the size of the urban population (and the economic strengths of the various cities), health care, education (especially literacy), and also the role of international diplomacy and trade. Globalization, while a fairly recent term, is an old process enhanced through the ease of transport and communication. Also, this project would draw on the work of anthropologists who continue to uncover previously unknown or forgotten aspects of Chinese historical and cultural development. Little, if any, field work would be required on my part. However, some fieldwork could be performed after a close examination of the literature to gain more detail about, for example, agricultural development. This would be in the form of an anthropological dig. Such a dig would have to have the approval of the local and national government in China, and would have to respect any and all historical artifacts uncovered.
Because climate issues have the potential to affect virtually all aspects of societal life, this project would have to be careful to double-check and triple-check developments to make certain that indeed X, Y, or Z was due to 17th century climate change. While the work of one researcher certainly gives weight to any developments, it would be my job to search for further sources to back up what the first researcher said. That way, biases resulting from my own views would be lessened, and this project would be much more credible and professional. Furthermore, it is extremely important to avoid tunnel vision by looking only for evidence that fits the thesis. As the primary researcher, I would need to include any and all counter-arguments into my research project, and discuss differences between casual correlation and actual causation of various climate change occurrences. The climate change debate of the twentieth century was incredibly contentious and long-lasting. While it appears that it is waining, and with the the huge accumulation of evidence pointing to anthropocentric influences, a book looking at 17th century climate change in China would have to be equally careful to address opposing points of view.
With these pitfalls in mind, the evidence I have uncovered thus far gives strong weight toward the detrimental affects of 17th century climate change. Dr. Fagan writes in his book that “From the 1630s, China's Ming empire faced widespread drought. The government's draconian response caused widespread revolt, and Manchu attacks from the north increased in intensity. By the 1640s, even the fertile Yangtze River Valley of the south suffered from serious drought, then catastrophic floods,
epidemics, and famine also occurred. Millions of people died from hunger and the wars that resulted in the fall of the Ming dynasty to the Manchus in 1644” (Fagan pg. 189). Furthermore, I uncovered additional evidence that, at least in southern China, a demographic crisis also existed from 1648 to 1653, due to starvation, disease in the form of lethal smallpox, and war (Marks). These findings do fit my preliminary arguments concerning the demographic crisis, while subtly pointing at climate changes as being one of the keystone reasons for the outbreak of these crises. Furthermore, in Agricultural Development in China: 1368-1968, Dr. Perkins also touches briefly on the 17th century climate crisis. One source did not discuss, however, any environmental consequences for the political turmoil of the 17th century, Peasant Rebellions of the Late Ming Dynasty by James Parsons. From the sections that I read, Dr. Parsons focused heavily on the military aspects of the rebellion, as well as diving into some of the social reasons behind the rebellions. Furthermore, no environmental concerns were ever brought up. However, considering that this book was written in 1970, perhaps it is not unexpected. The world's environmental conscience in 1970 was not was it is in more recent times, especially due to the prevalence of Zero-Sum Cold War problems. Perhaps this shows that research should focus on sources written more recently than 1970.
What are the major strengths and weaknesses of this project? The strengths are obvious. First, current climate problems continue to dominate our news cycles, and their effects are being felt throughout the world. Furthermore, today there is more awareness and understanding about climate problems than in any time previous. Finally, the end of the cold war and the re-emergence of multi- lateral diplomacy, key to deal with geopolitical problems like the DPRK nuclear crisis, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, as well as increasing global connectivity and interdependence brought about through jet-travel, the Internet, and other more efficient methods of communication and travel. These technological advances have the potential to bring people together across continents and cultures to solve problems. The current climate crisis should, in no way, be underestimated. That being said, this project could be strengthened by directly comparing, on a case by case basis, agricultural similarities, the role of energy creation in the 17th and 21st century, and other geopolitical, economic, and social similarities between the these two time periods.
In conclusion, this project would be especially important given our current challenges. Understanding the effects of 17th century climate change in China, how it shaped society, and the lessons and implications for our own response and understanding of this crisis would be immense. Furthermore, given China's ever increasing carbon footprint, it is fairly likely that global temperatures could rise as little as two to three degrees, and as many as nine degrees (Hanson). It is extremely important to understand the effects such a rapid change could have on China's existing political system,
What are the major strengths and weaknesses of this project? The strengths are obvious. First, current climate problems continue to dominate our news cycles, and their effects are being felt throughout the world. Furthermore, today there is more awareness and understanding about climate problems than in any time previous. Finally, the end of the cold war and the re-emergence of multi- lateral diplomacy, key to deal with geopolitical problems like the DPRK nuclear crisis, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, as well as increasing global connectivity and interdependence brought about through jet-travel, the Internet, and other more efficient methods of communication and travel. These technological advances have the potential to bring people together across continents and cultures to solve problems. The current climate crisis should, in no way, be underestimated. That being said, this project could be strengthened by directly comparing, on a case by case basis, agricultural similarities, the role of energy creation in the 17th and 21st century, and other geopolitical, economic, and social similarities between the these two time periods.
In conclusion, this project would be especially important given our current challenges. Understanding the effects of 17th century climate change in China, how it shaped society, and the lessons and implications for our own response and understanding of this crisis would be immense. Furthermore, given China's ever increasing carbon footprint, it is fairly likely that global temperatures could rise as little as two to three degrees, and as many as nine degrees (Hanson). It is extremely important to understand the effects such a rapid change could have on China's existing political system,
social cohesion, and economic expansion. China has experienced unprecedented economic growth in the past thirty years, and has plans on continuing rapid economic growth. That being said, these climate issues need to be contextualized given China's rich history. This project focusing on the 17th century climate crisis would certainly help this process move forward.
Annotated Bibliography
1. Atwell, William. “Time, Money, and the Weather: Ming China and the 'Great Depression' of the Mid-Fifteenth Century. The Journal of Asian Studies vol 61 (2002): pgs 83-113.
This review article looks at the economic development, empire expansionism, and also of agricultural production and tax collection as it relates to changes in temperature during this period. His conclusions are far-reaching and point to the significance that changes in climate have on all aspects of Ming China. It is certainly an important publication given the current climate change dilemma, and what that means for economic development and world trade.
2. Barnett, Jon, and W. Neil Adger. “Climate change, human security and violent conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 639-655
This paper looks at the relationship between climate change, human security, and violent conflict. It explains that climate change undermines human security by decreasing access to important natural resources, and therefore makes it difficult for people to sustain themselves. The authors then argue that certain circumstances may increase the risk for violent conflict.
3. Blunden, Caroline, and Elvin, Mark. Cultural Atlas of China. Oxford: Andromeda Oxford Limited, 1998.
This book gives a pictorial view of Chinese history, starting from the Xia Dynasty and continuing to the PRC government. It looks at the physical space of China, the events through the archaic, imperial, and modern ages, as well as important symbols such as religion, mathematics, music, agriculture, international relations, and the Chinese Diaspora.
4. Cai, Ximing. “Water Stress, water transfer and social equity in Northern China – Implications for policy reforms.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article begins by identifying critical barriers to smooth water redistribution; and ends with implications for policy reforms, making sure that farmers have the ability to save water. It concludes that water reallocation decisions should be shared by communities at all interest levels, from local to national.
5. Christianson, Gale E. Greenhouse: The 200-Year Story of Global Warming. New York: Walker and Company, 1999.
This book is a biography of the climate change. It begins with the work of Dr. Fourier, who first came up with the ideas of the earth as a large greenhouse, and continues with the work of Dr. Arrhenius, Dr. Keeling, and into the present day. Dr. Arrhenius first described the relationship between the presence of greenhouse gases and temperature increases in the nineteenth century. Dr. Keeling started an ongoing collection of carbon dioxide concentrations in Hawaii, which have risen ever year since he started.
6. Day, Kristen, ed. China's Environment and the Challenge of Sustainable Development. M.E. Sharpe, 2005.
This review article looks at the economic development, empire expansionism, and also of agricultural production and tax collection as it relates to changes in temperature during this period. His conclusions are far-reaching and point to the significance that changes in climate have on all aspects of Ming China. It is certainly an important publication given the current climate change dilemma, and what that means for economic development and world trade.
2. Barnett, Jon, and W. Neil Adger. “Climate change, human security and violent conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 639-655
This paper looks at the relationship between climate change, human security, and violent conflict. It explains that climate change undermines human security by decreasing access to important natural resources, and therefore makes it difficult for people to sustain themselves. The authors then argue that certain circumstances may increase the risk for violent conflict.
3. Blunden, Caroline, and Elvin, Mark. Cultural Atlas of China. Oxford: Andromeda Oxford Limited, 1998.
This book gives a pictorial view of Chinese history, starting from the Xia Dynasty and continuing to the PRC government. It looks at the physical space of China, the events through the archaic, imperial, and modern ages, as well as important symbols such as religion, mathematics, music, agriculture, international relations, and the Chinese Diaspora.
4. Cai, Ximing. “Water Stress, water transfer and social equity in Northern China – Implications for policy reforms.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article begins by identifying critical barriers to smooth water redistribution; and ends with implications for policy reforms, making sure that farmers have the ability to save water. It concludes that water reallocation decisions should be shared by communities at all interest levels, from local to national.
5. Christianson, Gale E. Greenhouse: The 200-Year Story of Global Warming. New York: Walker and Company, 1999.
This book is a biography of the climate change. It begins with the work of Dr. Fourier, who first came up with the ideas of the earth as a large greenhouse, and continues with the work of Dr. Arrhenius, Dr. Keeling, and into the present day. Dr. Arrhenius first described the relationship between the presence of greenhouse gases and temperature increases in the nineteenth century. Dr. Keeling started an ongoing collection of carbon dioxide concentrations in Hawaii, which have risen ever year since he started.
6. Day, Kristen, ed. China's Environment and the Challenge of Sustainable Development. M.E. Sharpe, 2005.
This is a collection of ten essays focusing on current environmental challenges as they relate to continued economic expansion and sustainable development within China. It looks at public sentiment, environmental law and enforcement, improving air quality, the implications of China's energy demands, waste management, and desertification in the north.
7. Dumreicher, Heidi. “Chinese villages and their sustainable future: The European Union – China-Research Project 'SUCCESS'.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article reviews the progress made by SUCCESS research project, which looked at the vibrancy and development of rural Chinese communities, where one in seven people on the globe lives. The study, which took five years to complete, aimed at establishing future images under the premises of sustainability, and to establish the importance of the rural living environment as key to the future of China.
8. Economy, Elizabeth, and Michel Oksenberg, eds. China Joins the World: Progress and Prospects. New York: Council on Foreign Relations, 1999.
This book is a collection of essays focusing on the rise of China. It discusses issues such as China's relationship with the UN, arms control institutions, the international human rights regime, international trade and investment, the information technology revolution, China's energy sector, and finally environmental protection.
9. Economy, Elizabeth. The River Runs Black: The Environmental Challenge to China's Future. Cornell University Press, 2004.
This award winning book outlines the current environmental problems in China, starting with the Huai River pollution, and discussing the history, the rapid economic growth of the post-Mao period, and also actions that the Chinese government needs to take to ward off the continuing threats to stability. She lists three directions China could go: going green, maintaining the status quo, or experiencing environmental meltdown. She also comments on the role of the United States.
10. Economy, Elizabeth. “China's Environmental Challenges and the Road Ahead.” CNA Corporation's China Center. The City Club of Washington. Washington, D.C. 19 June 2007.
This was a lecture and Q&A session that Dr. Economy gave regarding the state of the Chinese environment, with regard to Beijing governmental policy, investment and R&D, as well as efforts to further education about these critical issues.
11. Elvin, Mark, and Liu Ts'ui-jung, eds. Sediments of Time: Environment and Society in Chinese History. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
This is a collection of twenty-one essays from Western and Asian sources who are mostly all Chinese historians. The contributors examine the following: physical environment, human settlement, water, weather and climate, disease, the governmental viewpoint, literary and popular sentiment, and also the environment as it relates to early modern economic growth.
12. Elvin, Mark. The Retreat of the Elephants: An Environmental History of China. Yale University Press, 2004.
7. Dumreicher, Heidi. “Chinese villages and their sustainable future: The European Union – China-Research Project 'SUCCESS'.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article reviews the progress made by SUCCESS research project, which looked at the vibrancy and development of rural Chinese communities, where one in seven people on the globe lives. The study, which took five years to complete, aimed at establishing future images under the premises of sustainability, and to establish the importance of the rural living environment as key to the future of China.
8. Economy, Elizabeth, and Michel Oksenberg, eds. China Joins the World: Progress and Prospects. New York: Council on Foreign Relations, 1999.
This book is a collection of essays focusing on the rise of China. It discusses issues such as China's relationship with the UN, arms control institutions, the international human rights regime, international trade and investment, the information technology revolution, China's energy sector, and finally environmental protection.
9. Economy, Elizabeth. The River Runs Black: The Environmental Challenge to China's Future. Cornell University Press, 2004.
This award winning book outlines the current environmental problems in China, starting with the Huai River pollution, and discussing the history, the rapid economic growth of the post-Mao period, and also actions that the Chinese government needs to take to ward off the continuing threats to stability. She lists three directions China could go: going green, maintaining the status quo, or experiencing environmental meltdown. She also comments on the role of the United States.
10. Economy, Elizabeth. “China's Environmental Challenges and the Road Ahead.” CNA Corporation's China Center. The City Club of Washington. Washington, D.C. 19 June 2007.
This was a lecture and Q&A session that Dr. Economy gave regarding the state of the Chinese environment, with regard to Beijing governmental policy, investment and R&D, as well as efforts to further education about these critical issues.
11. Elvin, Mark, and Liu Ts'ui-jung, eds. Sediments of Time: Environment and Society in Chinese History. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
This is a collection of twenty-one essays from Western and Asian sources who are mostly all Chinese historians. The contributors examine the following: physical environment, human settlement, water, weather and climate, disease, the governmental viewpoint, literary and popular sentiment, and also the environment as it relates to early modern economic growth.
12. Elvin, Mark. The Retreat of the Elephants: An Environmental History of China. Yale University Press, 2004.
This book is an overview of the environmental history of China, spanning over 4000 years. He relies on the work of other scholars, poets, local histories, systems of belief about the environment, local demography, and water control history. This book is extremely well-researched and complete with regard to what it is trying to address.
13. Fagan, Brian. The Little Ice Age: How Climate made History, 1300-1850. New York: Basic Books, 2000.
This book examines the political, social, and economic consequences of the mini ice-age in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. It also shortly describes the relationship of climate change and the fall of the Mind Dynasty, and the rise of the Qing Dynasty in China.
14. Garrett, Laurie. “Cutting Through China's Smoke.” Los Angeles Times. 7 October 2007.
This article discusses the policy choices Chinese officials have to curtail pollution during the Beijing Olympics in August of 2008, as well as the global implications for positive change after the Olympics. It compares Beijing in 2008 to Los Angeles in 1984, saying that the shutoff of heavily polluting industries could trigger immense post-Olympic opportunities for clean industry.
15. Goodell, Jeff. Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.
This book examines the continued role of coal in both the United States and in China, and its implications for the future of the planet. He discusses the climate crisis, the pollution problems related to burning coal, and the industries (such as the railroad) that benefit from the transport of coal all over the Western US, as well as in China. He also discusses the politics relating to the coal industry, and the amount of clout these executives have with government.
16. Goodman, David S.G., and Gerald Segal, eds. China Rising: Nationalism and interdependence. London: Routledge, 1997.
This book is a collection of essays that focus on China's recent economic development, and its relations with the rest of the world. This book looks at politics, energy, the role of the People's Liberation Army, the WTO and APEC, trade dependency, and its relationship with Southeast Asia.
17. Hansen, Jim. “The Threat to the Planet.” The New York Review. 15 June 2006.
This is an editorial that NASA scientist Dr. Hansen wrote to push public opinion towards action on climate change. He gives a general overview of the problem, and uses maps to show how sea level rise could negatively effect areas inside the United States, especially Florida.
18. Hendrix, Cullen, and Sarah Glaser. “Trends and triggers: Climate, climate change and civil conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Political Geography 26 (2007) 695-715.
This article discusses the role of climate change in prompting violent reactions to limited natural resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. They found that increased rainfall decreases the liklihood of conflict, and that the converse was also true.
13. Fagan, Brian. The Little Ice Age: How Climate made History, 1300-1850. New York: Basic Books, 2000.
This book examines the political, social, and economic consequences of the mini ice-age in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. It also shortly describes the relationship of climate change and the fall of the Mind Dynasty, and the rise of the Qing Dynasty in China.
14. Garrett, Laurie. “Cutting Through China's Smoke.” Los Angeles Times. 7 October 2007.
This article discusses the policy choices Chinese officials have to curtail pollution during the Beijing Olympics in August of 2008, as well as the global implications for positive change after the Olympics. It compares Beijing in 2008 to Los Angeles in 1984, saying that the shutoff of heavily polluting industries could trigger immense post-Olympic opportunities for clean industry.
15. Goodell, Jeff. Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.
This book examines the continued role of coal in both the United States and in China, and its implications for the future of the planet. He discusses the climate crisis, the pollution problems related to burning coal, and the industries (such as the railroad) that benefit from the transport of coal all over the Western US, as well as in China. He also discusses the politics relating to the coal industry, and the amount of clout these executives have with government.
16. Goodman, David S.G., and Gerald Segal, eds. China Rising: Nationalism and interdependence. London: Routledge, 1997.
This book is a collection of essays that focus on China's recent economic development, and its relations with the rest of the world. This book looks at politics, energy, the role of the People's Liberation Army, the WTO and APEC, trade dependency, and its relationship with Southeast Asia.
17. Hansen, Jim. “The Threat to the Planet.” The New York Review. 15 June 2006.
This is an editorial that NASA scientist Dr. Hansen wrote to push public opinion towards action on climate change. He gives a general overview of the problem, and uses maps to show how sea level rise could negatively effect areas inside the United States, especially Florida.
18. Hendrix, Cullen, and Sarah Glaser. “Trends and triggers: Climate, climate change and civil conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Political Geography 26 (2007) 695-715.
This article discusses the role of climate change in prompting violent reactions to limited natural resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. They found that increased rainfall decreases the liklihood of conflict, and that the converse was also true.
19. Herberg, Mikkal. “The Emergence of China Throughout Asia: Security and Economic
Consequences for the U.S.” United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. 7 June 2005.
This is the opening statement that Mikkal E. Herberg gave to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He discussed the energy situation and implications for US and Chinese cooperation. He touches on a number of important issues, including the increased use of coal and other fossil fuels in China. He also raises the geopolitical, economic, energy market, and environmental issues pertinent to China's growing energy consumption.
20. Ju, W.M., et al. “Future carbon balance of China's forests under climate change and increasing carbon dioxide.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007): 538-562.
This paper looks at the possible responses of China's forests to changing atmospheric conditions that have been predicted to occur under ongoing climate change. The results, which are no means complete, indicate a range of possible responses of the carbon balance of China's forests to various scenarios of carbon dioxide increases and climate change, including their ability to act as carbon sinks.
21. Luo, Renfu, et al. “Elections, fiscal reform and public goods provision in rural China.” Journal of Comparative Economics 35 (2007): 583-611.
This article looks at the effect of two important reforms, the first being the direct election of village leaders, and the second being the rural tax for fee reform. This report found that direct elections increased public goods investment in the village. It also found that the rural Tax for Fee reform has a negative effect on public goods, especially on investment by the village itself.
22. Marks, Robert. Tigers, Rice, Silk, and Silt: Environment and Economy in Late Imperial South China. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
This book looks specifically at the Lingnan area composing of modern day Guangdong and Guangxi, and its environmental and economic development from 221 BCE to the present. He poses many important questions regarding climate, population growth, commercialization, and governmental control.
23. McNeil, J.R. “Human Impact on the Chinese Landscape.” Science Magazine 304 (2004): 391- 392
This is a review article written for Mark Elvin's Retreat of the Elephants. It concludes that Elvin's book is an important addition for inquiring how people inside China have dealt with environmental problems through its history.
24. Menon, Surabi, James Hansen, Larissa Nazarenko, and Yufeng Luo. “Climate Effects of Black Carbon Aerosols in China and India.” Science Magazine 297 (2002): 2250-2253.
This article studies the links between summer floods in southern China, drought in northern China, and moderate cooling in China and India while most of the rest of the world has been warming. They found that black carbon aerosols, or soot, in the air affected the atmospheric circulation and precipitation.
This is the opening statement that Mikkal E. Herberg gave to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He discussed the energy situation and implications for US and Chinese cooperation. He touches on a number of important issues, including the increased use of coal and other fossil fuels in China. He also raises the geopolitical, economic, energy market, and environmental issues pertinent to China's growing energy consumption.
20. Ju, W.M., et al. “Future carbon balance of China's forests under climate change and increasing carbon dioxide.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007): 538-562.
This paper looks at the possible responses of China's forests to changing atmospheric conditions that have been predicted to occur under ongoing climate change. The results, which are no means complete, indicate a range of possible responses of the carbon balance of China's forests to various scenarios of carbon dioxide increases and climate change, including their ability to act as carbon sinks.
21. Luo, Renfu, et al. “Elections, fiscal reform and public goods provision in rural China.” Journal of Comparative Economics 35 (2007): 583-611.
This article looks at the effect of two important reforms, the first being the direct election of village leaders, and the second being the rural tax for fee reform. This report found that direct elections increased public goods investment in the village. It also found that the rural Tax for Fee reform has a negative effect on public goods, especially on investment by the village itself.
22. Marks, Robert. Tigers, Rice, Silk, and Silt: Environment and Economy in Late Imperial South China. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
This book looks specifically at the Lingnan area composing of modern day Guangdong and Guangxi, and its environmental and economic development from 221 BCE to the present. He poses many important questions regarding climate, population growth, commercialization, and governmental control.
23. McNeil, J.R. “Human Impact on the Chinese Landscape.” Science Magazine 304 (2004): 391- 392
This is a review article written for Mark Elvin's Retreat of the Elephants. It concludes that Elvin's book is an important addition for inquiring how people inside China have dealt with environmental problems through its history.
24. Menon, Surabi, James Hansen, Larissa Nazarenko, and Yufeng Luo. “Climate Effects of Black Carbon Aerosols in China and India.” Science Magazine 297 (2002): 2250-2253.
This article studies the links between summer floods in southern China, drought in northern China, and moderate cooling in China and India while most of the rest of the world has been warming. They found that black carbon aerosols, or soot, in the air affected the atmospheric circulation and precipitation.
25. Mortimer, Nigel, and John Grant. “Analysis of energy use in a sample of Chinese villages.”
Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article looked at energy consumption, energy resource depletion, and carbon dioxide emissions in six different villages in Hebei, Shanxi, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Henan, and Jiangxi Provinces. The researchers looked at different economic sectors (domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial, administrative, and transport), and also the type of energy (biogas, biomass, coal, diesel, etc.) used for each economic sector.
26. Motavalli, Jim, ed. Feeling the Heat: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Climate Change. New York: Routledge, 2004.
This book examines both the human impacts as they relate to climate change, and also the growing effects on natural ecosystems. The human impacts in China, Europe, New York, and also small island- nations are discussed. Second, there are five essays focusing on Arctic and Antarctic ice movements, shrinking glaciers in the Pacific Northwest, the California coast, and finally coral reefs in Australia, Floria, and Fiji.
27. Myers, Ramon H. and Thomas R. Ulie. “Foreign Influences and Agricultural Development in Northeast China: A Case Study of the Liaotung Peninsula, 1906-42.” The Journal of Asian Studies 31 (1972): 329-350.
This essay focuses on why agricultural development in the Liaotung Peninsula, a region occupied by the Japanese between 1906 and 1942, was so impressive. The authors argue that foreign influence, particularly that of Japan, prompted the growth of rural institutions and socioeconomic class relationships, allowing farmers to specialize in cash crops. Furthermore, they were also helped bring about order, peace, and long-term economic security for farmers and tradesmen.
28. “National Security and the Threat of Climate Change.” CNA Corporation 2007 <securityandclimate.cna.org>
This is a position paper that resulted from a task force looking into climate change as a security issue for the United States. The task force was made up entirely of retired generals and admirals from all four branches of the US Military. They found that continued climate change has the potential to change security situations across the globe, and would require shifts in policy by the Department of Defense. They also looked at Asian (and Chinese) prospects with regard to this issue.
29. Parsons, James. Peasant Rebellions of the Late Ming Dynasty. Association for Asian Studies, 1970.
This book provided a very complete look at all of the various rebellions that occurred in China between 1628 and 1647. Many of these rebellions occurred because of the decline of stability in the Ming government, financial problems, and because of a northeastern frontier crisis that lasted almost seventy years (from 1580s to mid 1600s).
30. Perkins, Dwight. Agricultural Development in China 1368-1968. Aldine Publishing Company, 1969.
This book takes an economic point of view in examining Chinese agricultural development. It was the first book of its kind written in English, between 1900 and the publishing date. It tries to explain how
26. Motavalli, Jim, ed. Feeling the Heat: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Climate Change. New York: Routledge, 2004.
This book examines both the human impacts as they relate to climate change, and also the growing effects on natural ecosystems. The human impacts in China, Europe, New York, and also small island- nations are discussed. Second, there are five essays focusing on Arctic and Antarctic ice movements, shrinking glaciers in the Pacific Northwest, the California coast, and finally coral reefs in Australia, Floria, and Fiji.
27. Myers, Ramon H. and Thomas R. Ulie. “Foreign Influences and Agricultural Development in Northeast China: A Case Study of the Liaotung Peninsula, 1906-42.” The Journal of Asian Studies 31 (1972): 329-350.
This essay focuses on why agricultural development in the Liaotung Peninsula, a region occupied by the Japanese between 1906 and 1942, was so impressive. The authors argue that foreign influence, particularly that of Japan, prompted the growth of rural institutions and socioeconomic class relationships, allowing farmers to specialize in cash crops. Furthermore, they were also helped bring about order, peace, and long-term economic security for farmers and tradesmen.
28. “National Security and the Threat of Climate Change.” CNA Corporation 2007 <securityandclimate.cna.org>
This is a position paper that resulted from a task force looking into climate change as a security issue for the United States. The task force was made up entirely of retired generals and admirals from all four branches of the US Military. They found that continued climate change has the potential to change security situations across the globe, and would require shifts in policy by the Department of Defense. They also looked at Asian (and Chinese) prospects with regard to this issue.
29. Parsons, James. Peasant Rebellions of the Late Ming Dynasty. Association for Asian Studies, 1970.
This book provided a very complete look at all of the various rebellions that occurred in China between 1628 and 1647. Many of these rebellions occurred because of the decline of stability in the Ming government, financial problems, and because of a northeastern frontier crisis that lasted almost seventy years (from 1580s to mid 1600s).
30. Perkins, Dwight. Agricultural Development in China 1368-1968. Aldine Publishing Company, 1969.
This book takes an economic point of view in examining Chinese agricultural development. It was the first book of its kind written in English, between 1900 and the publishing date. It tries to explain how
China's farm economy responded to the demands of a rising population and was still able to provide a small surplus for the rich, the arts, and industrialization.
31. Raleigh, Clionadh, and Henrik Urdal. “Climate change, environmental degradation and armed conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 674-694.
This article uses georeferenced (GIS) data to assess the impact of likelihood of internal armed conflict caused by a changing environment. It found that population growth and density are associated with increased conflict risks, but that the effects of land degradation and water scarcity are not as strong. This study shows the importance of political and economic factors as opposed to local demographic and environmental factors with regard to armed conflict.
32. Reuveny, Rafael. “Climate change-induced migration and violent conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 656-673.
This article discusses three options for people who are adversely affected to climate change. People can adapt by staying in the same place and doing nothing, staying and mitigating the problems, or leaving the affected areas. His theory is that people in lesser developed areas are more likely to leave affected areas, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
33. Rock, Michael. “Integrating Environmental and Economic Policy Making in China and Taiwan.” American Behavioral Scientist 45(2002): 1435-1455.
This article is a comparative study looking at both the Mainland and Taiwan approach at introducing incentives aimed at furthering environmental protection and awareness. In Taiwan, the government has created competent environmental agency that has the ability to force industrial policy to integrate environmental considerations into their planning. On the mainland, SEPA is working with local officials to list environmental rating, rankings, and public disclosure. However, more reforms are needed to further integrate environmental considerations in the public eye.
34. Rozelle, Scott. “Rural Industrialization and Increasing Inequality: Emerging Patterns in China's Reforming Economy.” Journal of Comparative Economics 19 (1994): 362-391.
This paper looked at the growing inequality between the coastal areas and the rural economy. Rozelle used an inference-based approach that revealed that patterns of inequality were closely associated with the changes in the structure of the rural economy. Focus on rural agriculture compared to rural industry reduced inequality, because of barriers that significantly slowed the flow of crucial economic data and other information.
35. Shen, Guoqing et al. “Status and fuzzy comprehensive assessment of combined heavy metal and organo-chlorine pesticide pollution in the Taihu Lake region of China.” Journal of Environment Management 76 (2005): 355-362.
This study found that for the Taihu Lake watershed area, a highly developed region west of Shanghai, there were high amounts of DDT, Cd, and Hg that led them to believe that there were still ongoing point-source pollution in the area. They recommended that there be further monitoring and studies of the region to prevent continued pollution from these sources.
31. Raleigh, Clionadh, and Henrik Urdal. “Climate change, environmental degradation and armed conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 674-694.
This article uses georeferenced (GIS) data to assess the impact of likelihood of internal armed conflict caused by a changing environment. It found that population growth and density are associated with increased conflict risks, but that the effects of land degradation and water scarcity are not as strong. This study shows the importance of political and economic factors as opposed to local demographic and environmental factors with regard to armed conflict.
32. Reuveny, Rafael. “Climate change-induced migration and violent conflict.” Political Geography 26 (2007): 656-673.
This article discusses three options for people who are adversely affected to climate change. People can adapt by staying in the same place and doing nothing, staying and mitigating the problems, or leaving the affected areas. His theory is that people in lesser developed areas are more likely to leave affected areas, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
33. Rock, Michael. “Integrating Environmental and Economic Policy Making in China and Taiwan.” American Behavioral Scientist 45(2002): 1435-1455.
This article is a comparative study looking at both the Mainland and Taiwan approach at introducing incentives aimed at furthering environmental protection and awareness. In Taiwan, the government has created competent environmental agency that has the ability to force industrial policy to integrate environmental considerations into their planning. On the mainland, SEPA is working with local officials to list environmental rating, rankings, and public disclosure. However, more reforms are needed to further integrate environmental considerations in the public eye.
34. Rozelle, Scott. “Rural Industrialization and Increasing Inequality: Emerging Patterns in China's Reforming Economy.” Journal of Comparative Economics 19 (1994): 362-391.
This paper looked at the growing inequality between the coastal areas and the rural economy. Rozelle used an inference-based approach that revealed that patterns of inequality were closely associated with the changes in the structure of the rural economy. Focus on rural agriculture compared to rural industry reduced inequality, because of barriers that significantly slowed the flow of crucial economic data and other information.
35. Shen, Guoqing et al. “Status and fuzzy comprehensive assessment of combined heavy metal and organo-chlorine pesticide pollution in the Taihu Lake region of China.” Journal of Environment Management 76 (2005): 355-362.
This study found that for the Taihu Lake watershed area, a highly developed region west of Shanghai, there were high amounts of DDT, Cd, and Hg that led them to believe that there were still ongoing point-source pollution in the area. They recommended that there be further monitoring and studies of the region to prevent continued pollution from these sources.
36. Shirk, Susan. China: Fragile Superpower. Oxford University Press, 2007.
This books looks at the rise of China, and comes to the conclusion that while China may project a very powerful and united image abroad, the central government is increasingly worried about protecting its legitimacy in the eyes of the Chinese people. The PRC knows that it cannot use political ideology to revive support, but rather must rely on continued economic expansion while also relying on making itself look strong in the eyes of its citizens.
37. Wang, Huixiao et al. “Improving water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the North China Plain – measurements and modelling.” Agricultural Water Management 48 (2001): 151-167.
This is an article that examines the relationship between irrigation, evapotranspiration, crop growth, and water use efficiency in the above mentioned region. This study is important because of the growing reports of dwindling water supplies for farmers in this area. This study found that Mulching reduced soil evaporation, and also that reducing irrigation frequency and amount also improve irrigation schemes.
38. Wright, Robert. Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny. Pantheon Books, 2000.
This is a generalist book that writes on the universal principals which unite human civilization, and have been driving ongoing globalization since the advent of pre-civilizational societies. It focuses on technological change as the primary driver for creating win-win scenarios that enable humans to push forward in our development, and it argues that we have more in common with each other than we may realize, regardless of culture, religion, or language.
39. Wu, Changhua, et al. “Water Pollution and Human Health in China.” Environmental Health Perspectives 107 (1999): 251-256.
This paper looked at the dangers of Chinese water pollution, and its affect on both rural and urban citizens who consume it. This paper concluded that first, there are significant defects in the amount of public infrastructure devoted to treating drinking water, and also to the growth in industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and algal toxins in the water. Second, there is a lack of coordination between environmental and public health ministries to solve these problems.
40. Xu, W., Y. Yin and S. Zhou. “Social and economic impacts of carbon sequestration and land use change on peasant households in rural China: A case study of Liping, Guizhou Province.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007): 736-745.
This article describes a study in Guizhou Province that looked at perceived change in social and economic livelihoods of peasants and the factors responsible for the variations in the changes. It found that land conversion projects with continued government financial support contributes to social transformation of rural society into one that is more mobile, and less dependent on subsistence agriculture.
41. Yang, L., et al. “Soil organic carbon decomposition and carbon pools in temperate and sub- tropical forests in China.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007) 690-695.
This research article looks at the ability of Chinese forests to continue sequester carbon dioxide. This study was done at temperate forests at Changbai Mountain and Qilian Mountain, and sub-tropical forests at Yujing and Liping counties. They found that temperate forests continue to have a high
37. Wang, Huixiao et al. “Improving water use efficiency of irrigated crops in the North China Plain – measurements and modelling.” Agricultural Water Management 48 (2001): 151-167.
This is an article that examines the relationship between irrigation, evapotranspiration, crop growth, and water use efficiency in the above mentioned region. This study is important because of the growing reports of dwindling water supplies for farmers in this area. This study found that Mulching reduced soil evaporation, and also that reducing irrigation frequency and amount also improve irrigation schemes.
38. Wright, Robert. Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny. Pantheon Books, 2000.
This is a generalist book that writes on the universal principals which unite human civilization, and have been driving ongoing globalization since the advent of pre-civilizational societies. It focuses on technological change as the primary driver for creating win-win scenarios that enable humans to push forward in our development, and it argues that we have more in common with each other than we may realize, regardless of culture, religion, or language.
39. Wu, Changhua, et al. “Water Pollution and Human Health in China.” Environmental Health Perspectives 107 (1999): 251-256.
This paper looked at the dangers of Chinese water pollution, and its affect on both rural and urban citizens who consume it. This paper concluded that first, there are significant defects in the amount of public infrastructure devoted to treating drinking water, and also to the growth in industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and algal toxins in the water. Second, there is a lack of coordination between environmental and public health ministries to solve these problems.
40. Xu, W., Y. Yin and S. Zhou. “Social and economic impacts of carbon sequestration and land use change on peasant households in rural China: A case study of Liping, Guizhou Province.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007): 736-745.
This article describes a study in Guizhou Province that looked at perceived change in social and economic livelihoods of peasants and the factors responsible for the variations in the changes. It found that land conversion projects with continued government financial support contributes to social transformation of rural society into one that is more mobile, and less dependent on subsistence agriculture.
41. Yang, L., et al. “Soil organic carbon decomposition and carbon pools in temperate and sub- tropical forests in China.” Journal of Environmental Management 85 (2007) 690-695.
This research article looks at the ability of Chinese forests to continue sequester carbon dioxide. This study was done at temperate forests at Changbai Mountain and Qilian Mountain, and sub-tropical forests at Yujing and Liping counties. They found that temperate forests continue to have a high
capacity to sequester carbon compared to tropical forests.
42. Yardley, Jim. “Beneath Booming Cities, China's Future Drying Up.” New York Times. 28 September 2007
This article discusses the declining water table in the North China Plain, and the consequences for a growing economy. It gives specific examples regarding habitat degradation of the wetlands, it discusses the imbalances of Chinese water between the north and the south, as well as compares China's water supply and population to that of the United States. It also discusses the difficult choices China has ahead with regard to protecting its dwindling water supply, such as the abandonment of winter cropping.
43. Zhang, Hao et al. “Eco-health evaluation for the Shanghai metropolitian area during the recent industrial transformation (1990-2003).” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article looks at the relationship between economic growth, eco-efficiency of urban metabolism, and environmental performance of the Shanghai metro area using fifteen indicators. It found that effective pollution control policies and a network of regional coordination between Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces are needed for pollution mitigation.
44. Zhang, Kun-min, and Zong-guo Wen. “Review and challenges of policies of environmental protection and sustainable development in China.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article looks at the continued economic expansion of China, and its relationship to the ecological environment. This paper gives several ways on how best to coordinate the relationship between the environmental and the economy. Examples of mitigation include: adjustment of economic structure, reform of energy policy, development of environmental industry, pollution prevention and ecological conservation, capacity building, and international cooperation and public participation.
45. Zhen, Lin, et al. “Sustainability of farmers' social fertility management practices: A case study in the North China Plain.” Journal of Environmental Management 79 (2006): 409-419.
This study looked at the use of nutrients, both organic and also Nitrogen and Phosphorous based, on agricultural production. It found that organic nutrients are underutilized and synthetic fertilizers are over utilized, leading to groundwater and food contamination. It says that present soil fertility management practices are not sustainable, but it then suggests several ways to mitigate this important problem, including the adaptation of appropriate decisions support systems for efficient and sustainable management.
This article discusses the declining water table in the North China Plain, and the consequences for a growing economy. It gives specific examples regarding habitat degradation of the wetlands, it discusses the imbalances of Chinese water between the north and the south, as well as compares China's water supply and population to that of the United States. It also discusses the difficult choices China has ahead with regard to protecting its dwindling water supply, such as the abandonment of winter cropping.
43. Zhang, Hao et al. “Eco-health evaluation for the Shanghai metropolitian area during the recent industrial transformation (1990-2003).” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article looks at the relationship between economic growth, eco-efficiency of urban metabolism, and environmental performance of the Shanghai metro area using fifteen indicators. It found that effective pollution control policies and a network of regional coordination between Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces are needed for pollution mitigation.
44. Zhang, Kun-min, and Zong-guo Wen. “Review and challenges of policies of environmental protection and sustainable development in China.” Journal of Environmental Management. Article in Press.
This article looks at the continued economic expansion of China, and its relationship to the ecological environment. This paper gives several ways on how best to coordinate the relationship between the environmental and the economy. Examples of mitigation include: adjustment of economic structure, reform of energy policy, development of environmental industry, pollution prevention and ecological conservation, capacity building, and international cooperation and public participation.
45. Zhen, Lin, et al. “Sustainability of farmers' social fertility management practices: A case study in the North China Plain.” Journal of Environmental Management 79 (2006): 409-419.
This study looked at the use of nutrients, both organic and also Nitrogen and Phosphorous based, on agricultural production. It found that organic nutrients are underutilized and synthetic fertilizers are over utilized, leading to groundwater and food contamination. It says that present soil fertility management practices are not sustainable, but it then suggests several ways to mitigate this important problem, including the adaptation of appropriate decisions support systems for efficient and sustainable management.
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