Beijing wants to put a price tag on the environment

By
Nico Beckert

China has been recording immense growth rates for over 40 years. From the poorhouse of the world, it developed into the second-largest economy. A fair economic development is the decisive pillar of the authoritarian rule of the Communist Party, because it gives it legitimacy. But it also has its downsides: China is now the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. And the rapid economic growth is at the expense of the environment. In many places, the air and water are polluted, prompting even citizens of the dictatorship to protest. That’s why authorities are even trying to coordinate green movements.