China's Environmental Problems and Prospects for Japanese Cooperation

Abstract

As China's economy continues to grow, it faces a number of environmental issues, including severe air and water pollutions and land degradation. In addition, China already ranks top in the world in its emissions of carbon dioxide, which causes global warming. Along with air pollution, China's various environmental problems also include water pollution and food safety issues. This paper explores historical changes of Chinese environmental issues and discussed the limits of and potential for bilateral and regional cooperation.

Keywords:

• Chinese environmental problems
• geopolitical impediments
• bilateral and regional cooperation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jumpei Kubota

Jumpei KUBOTA is a professor at the Center for Research Development, the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN). He received his doctor's degree in forest hydrology from Kyoto University (1987). He was an assistant professor at Kyoto University (1987–1989), an assistant professor (1987–1996) and an associate professor (1997–2002) at Toyo University of Agriculture and Technology. He is the leader of the RIHN Initiative for Chinese Environmental Issues and RIHN's project “Designing Local Frameworks for Integrated Water Resources Management”. His major publications include “Global Environmental Issues; Our Responsibility toward Unseen People and Unborn Generations” (ed. 2009), “Water Issues and Water Saving Policies in China” in Akimichi et. al. ed., Water and People -1, “Environmental History in Central Eurasia” (ed. 2012), and “Water Resources Governance and Chinese Environmental Policies” (ed. 2015).