Public Policy Analysis and Environmental Impacts

Zhao, J. 2005. Can the Environment Survive China.
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This article evaluates China’s recent programs to reduce the environmental impacts of rapid vehicle development and makes recommendations on how China can follow a more sustainable path of vehicle development. These programs as well as efforts to control industrial and residential pollution have led to a slight improvement in China’s air quality. However, without renewed efforts, China’s rapid vehicle population growth threatens the environment. The article concludes that the government can play a central role in guiding the direction of motorization through regulation, partnerships between government and industry, and adoption of market-based incentives. In the short-term, there is great potential for China to reduce emissions from conventional vehicles, especially by improving fuel quality. Although limiting private ownership of vehicles is probably impractical, vehicle use can be reduced through the development of a convenient public transportation system, introduction of high parking fees, and better urban planning. Government policies should promote hybrid vehicles and encourage multinationals to turn China into a testing ground to promote hydrogen vehicles in the future.