For decades now, no discussion of global environmental problems and solutions—from climate change to regional air pollution to deforestation—has been complete without a consideration of China’s roles. China’s economic rise over the past forty years has lifted unprecedented numbers of people into the global middle class and formed the cornerstone of the modern global supply chain. This rise has been accompanied by serious environmental damage, but has also spurred unparalleled investments in renewable energy and efficiency technologies.
While China’s early entry into international environmental negotiations was marked by resistance to any restrictions on its growth, the Beijing government has more recently emerged as a world leader on climate change issues, befitting China’s role as the most populous nation, fastest growing major economy, and largest carbon emitter. It was show of solidarity between President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama that opened the door to the Paris Agreement in 2015,...