Chinese Environmental Law & Policy: A Return to Confucianism

The purpose of this paper is to develop an alternative theoretical paradigm for developing environmental law and policy in China. The current paradigm that has been adopted is a Western Market Paradigm which has placed an emphasis on economic development over environmental protection. The present study will explain why the use of the Market Paradigm is an inadequate paradigm when creating environmental laws and policies and how it has contributed to the country's environmental degradation. In addition, a Confucian theoretical paradigm will be developed as alternative to the current model of environmental policy and law.