Geall and Ely Narratives and Pathways 2017 - final with edits.pdf (769.73 kB)
Narratives and pathways towards an ecological civilisation in contemporary China
Since the United States committed to withdraw from the UN Paris Agreement on climate change, international observers have increasingly asked if China can take the lead instead to raise global ambition in the context of a world leadership vacuum. Given the country's increasing economic and strategic focus on sustainable and low-carbon innovation, China might seem well placed to do so. However, much depends on the direction of governance and reform within China regarding the environment. To better understand how the government is seeking to make progress in these areas, this article explores key political narratives that have underpinned China's policies around sustainable development (kechixu fazhan) and innovation (chuangxin) within the context of broader narratives of reform. Drawing on theoretical insights from work that investigates the role of power in shaping narratives, knowledge and action around specific pathways to sustainability, this article explores the ways in which dominant policy narratives in China might drive particular forms of innovation for sustainability and potentially occlude or constrain others. In particular, we look at ecological civilization (shengtai wenming) as a slogan that has gradually evolved to become an official narrative and is likely to influence pathways to sustainability over the coming years.
Funding
Low Carbon Innovation in China - Prospects, Politics and Practice; G1217; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/K006002/1
STEPS 2nd five years funding (IDS leading) - REVISED COSTS; G0733; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; RES-588-28-0001
Constructing pathways to sustainability: learning across disciplines, sectors, regions and cultures; G1820; UNESCO-UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC & CULTURAL ORG; ISSC2015-TKNB150224114426
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
China QuarterlyISSN
0305-7410Publisher
Cambridge University PressExternal DOI
Volume
236Page range
1175-1196Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-11-22First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-11-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-11-22Usage metrics
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