Introduction to China’s Environmental and Sustainable Development Issues
China is prone to natural resources degradation due to its geographic characteristics and its large population. Environmental problems have been accelerated by not only the rapid economic growth of recent years but also the high intensity of energy use, particularly in the industrial sector. These factors combined with economic and pricing policies failing to account for the intrinsic value of natural resources have led to their over-exploitation. This course provides a general overview of China’s natural environment; examines its institutional, legislative and administrative frameworks in environment protection and nature conservation; and discusses the government’s strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Environmental Hazards
This course examines a range of environmental hazards of geological, geomorphological, atmospheric, biological and human origin focussing on their origins, characteristics and impacts on human society. It will also deal with the responses available to different societies to deal with these hazards including disaster relief, loss sharing and event modification adjustments. Basic hazard planning and management principles are outlined. Where practicable local and regional examples will be used as illustrations.