Breathe Easy? Local Nuances of Authoritarian Environmentalism in China's Battle against Air Pollution

Anna L Ahlers,Yongdong Shen

doi:10.1017/s0305741017001370

Abstract

AbstractThe heavy smog suffocating China's cities is increasingly being perceived as a threat by both the population and the authorities. Consequently, political action aiming at regulating ambient air pollution has become increasingly comprehensive and rigid in recent years. Even measures limiting consumption and production seem to become acceptable as China is facing an airpocalypse. Does this suggest a genesis of real “authoritarian environmentalism” (AE) in China? Taking this as a heuristic point of departure, we present findings from research on the implementation of air pollution control measures in Hangzhou city. We offer a critical examination of the concept of AE and, in particular, of local policy implementation strategies vis-à-vis the general public. Two measures in Hangzhou's air policy portfolio are analysed that reveal considerable variation: restrictions on the use of private cars and the (re)location of industrial facilities. Describing the conditions that have helped to produce different implementation strategies, we argue for different emphases in a potential Chinese model of AE. In a context where outcomes are sought at any cost, we observe more complexity and nuances than are usually captured by the AE concept.

Highlights

The heavy smog suffocating China’s cities is increasingly being perceived as a threat by both the population and the authorities
Even measures limiting consumption and production seem to become acceptable as China is facing an airpocalypse. Does this suggest a genesis of real “authoritarian environmentalism” (AE) in China? Taking this as a heuristic point of departure, we present findings from research on the implementation of air pollution control measures in Hangzhou city
We offer a critical examination of the concept of AE and, in particular, of local policy implementation strategies vis-à-vis the general public

Summary

Societal perception and political framing of the air pollution problem

The perception and framing of problems are crucial elements of China’s seemingly becoming AE in practice. The city government issued a public statement to the effect that there was nothing untoward concerning the legitimacy of the policy because it followed the Regulations for the Control of Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution in Zhejiang Province, which allows “municipal governments to take certain actions to control the number of motor vehicles in accordance with the city’s conditions and size and the local air quality.” Concerning the problem of excluding the public throughout the policy drafting process, the same officer remarked further: Yes, the public was right that the government should have heard the public’s suggestions in hearings which are a must when publishing ordinary administration regulations. On Tuesdays, this refers to license plate numbers ending in “2” and “9”, and so forth

Total number of registered cars

Conclusions

Findings

Biographical notes