Economic Growth Is the Best Solution to China’s Environmental Problems: An Analysis within the Framework of Environmental Kuznets Curve
Journal: Modern Economics & Management Forum DOI: 10.32629/memf.v5i4.2539
Abstract
This paper uses the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory to analyze the relationship between the Chinese case and environmental quality, and explores whether the Chinese case provides the best solution to environmental problems. In the early stages of China's economic development, heavy industry and pollution-intensive agriculture led to environmental deterioration. However, with the increase in per capita income, the economic structure has shifted from heavy industry to knowledge-intensive manufacturing and services, and the widespread application of clean energy technologies, China's environmental quality has improved significantly. Economic growth provides financial support for clean technology research and development, and also stimulates market investment in green technology. As people's environmental awareness increases, the government has strengthened environmental supervision, which has helped to repair environmental pollution caused by economic development. However, the EKC theory also has limitations. Economic growth may not be equally converted into environmental improvements in all regions, and there are significant differences between regions. In addition, rapid economic development has also led to the loss of biodiversity, and these problems require long-term systematic governance. Therefore, although I recognize the best solution for China to solve environmental problems, it still requires a comprehensive approach of balanced development, effective environmental policies, technology, public awareness, and cooperation to achieve sustainable development in China.
Keywords
Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), China’s sustainable development, environmental economics, China's environmental policies
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