Chapter 1 Environmental Law Codification in China: Toward a Coherent Legal Framework for Ecological Civilization

Edited book (chapter)

Zhao, B. and McNamara, N.. 2025. "Chapter 1 Environmental Law Codification in China: Toward a Coherent Legal Framework for Ecological Civilization." Zhao, B. and McNamara, N. (ed.) Environmental Law Codification in China: Paradigm Change in Environmental Legislation. Singapore. Springer. pp. 291
Chapter Title

Chapter 1 Environmental Law Codification in China: Toward a Coherent Legal Framework for Ecological Civilization

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID3337
Book TitleEnvironmental Law Codification in China: Paradigm Change in Environmental Legislation
AuthorsZhao, B. and McNamara, N.
EditorsZhao, B. and McNamara, N.
Edition1
Page Range291
SeriesContemporary Environmental Law and Policy
Chapter Number1
Number of Pages1-33
Year2025
PublisherSpringer
Place of PublicationSingapore
ISBN978-981-96-9210-1
ISSN3059-3409
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9211-8_1
Web Address (URL)https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-96-9211-8
Abstract

Abstract Over recent decades, China’s environmental law system has undergone significant development. However, persistent structural deficiencies in the legislative model continue to undermine the coherence and effectiveness of this framework. The lack of a unified legislative structure has resulted in a fragmented, duplica-tive, and reactive environmental legal system, where incremental amendments fall short of addressing systemic shortcomings. A comprehensive restructuring is essen-tial to enhance environmental legislative quality, ensure enforceability, and align with China’s commitment to ecological civilization and high-quality green devel-opment. Developing an Environmental Code in China presents a transformative opportunity to consolidate disparate provisions, eliminate contradictions, and estab-lish a robust, integrated legal foundation for sustainable environmental governance. This chapter looks into the background, major theoretical debates, challenges, and proposed solutions concerning China’s environmental law codification process.

Keywords Environmental law codification; Ecological civilization; Environmental code; Environmental legislation; China
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020480203. Environmental law
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Law and Justice
Centre for Heritage and Culture
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