The Interplay Between Economic Growth and the Environment: The Case of China

<p>Historically, economic development has come at the cost of environmental degradation. Since the 1980s, neoliberalism rooted in neoclassical theory has dominated mainstream economic thought. The result has been a dramatic increase in environmental degradation in favor of economic growth. The neoliberal recommendations toward development are encapsulated in the Washington and post-Washington Consensuses which promote the liberalization of trade and foreign investment as well as a reliance on market mechanisms. Ultimately, the goal of neoliberalism is to generate growth regardless of the impact that it places on the environment. The case of China presents an example of an economy which pursued a market transformation and neoliberal goals. The severe environmental impact of China’s economic transformation and growth demonstrates the unsustainability of neoliberalism. Using China as a case study, this thesis evaluates the traditional development path and the need for a transition toward an alternative development paradigm which promotes environmental sustainability.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Carpio-Thomas, Christian D.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Chiara Piovani
• Markus Schneider
• Robert Urquhart
• Lisa Conant

• China
• Development
• Economics
• Environment
• Neoliberalism
• Sustainability
• Environmental Studies
• Growth and Development

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1729

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2732