Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5. Comparison of Energy Production with Energy Consumption (Source: Various editions of the
Chinese Statistical Yearbook)
DEVELOPMENT, POLITICS
AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL: A
MULTIFACETED RELATIONSHIP
WITHIN A SPECIFIC HISTORICAL
AND SOCIAL CONTEXT
to remember that guaranteeing economic devel-
opment and prosperity is a fundamental aim of
all governments and contribute to their political
legitimacy. The economic imperative becomes
especially visible when faced with economic
backwardness and economic underperformance.
Environmental considerations often sidelined
as there exists the perception of a goal conflict
between environmental protection and economic
growth and prosperity. Yet, this supposed goal
In analyzing the complex relationship between
development, politics and the environment it is
critical to recognize that this relationship exists
within a specific historical and social setting and
Figure 6. Comparison of Energy Production and GDP growth (Source: Various editions of the Chinese
Statistical Yearbook)
