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Towards environmental deliberative democracy in China

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  • Zihao Ma

    (Beijing Normal University)

Abstract

To avoid inevitable decline in public support caused by a failure in environmental governance and pollution control, it is imperative for China’s central government to find a suitable and effective system. For now, China has emerged as an exemplary case for strict environmental governance. Nevertheless, here I argue that a change is currently needed because I find environmental authoritarianism in China has been increasingly inefficient, or even scientifically flawed, and will eventually undermine China’s long-term environmental governance. As a key element of environmental democracy, the participation of public and nongovernmental organizations in the decision-making process can effectively circumvent the shortcomings of environmental authoritarianism. Here, I demonstrate the feasibility of realizing environmental democracy in China’s current stage by showing that the country has harbored social and political conditions for transformation. Finally, I provide a theoretically feasible framework for environmental deliberative democracy in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Zihao Ma, 2025. "Towards environmental deliberative democracy in China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04837-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04837-5
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