A Fragile Convergence: Understanding Variation Patterns in the Enforcement of China's Industrial Pollution Law
Speaker
Abstract
| Official statistics and independent survey data show that in the last decade China has witnessed a remarkable change in its enforcement of environmental pollution violations, moving towards more formalistic and coercive law enforcement with more enforcement cases as well as higher fines. The data also show that there is considerable regional variation with coastal areas having more and higher punishments than those in the hinterland. This paper explores these findings, seeking to understand the explanation and meaning of these temporal and regional variation patterns. The study argues that a convergence of social, economic and national and local political factors explains these patterns. The paper questions whether the trend towards more coercive and formal enforcement is necessarily good and will have much effect interms of attaining regulatory aims. Furthermore, it contends that the basis for such convergence has been fragile, as national pressures have lacked consistency and local community and government support evaporates when dominant sources of income are at stake. | |
| Contact information: | |
| Johannes Meuer | |
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