China's Law Development in the Climate Change Era

Abstract

China as the largest emitter of GHGs in the world is confronting energy shortage air pollution and political pressure from international society, and its economy is still on the fast track. In order to cope with these issues, China has made a lot of laws and policies as its positive response to climate change. These laws and policies include traditional command and control approach and market-based approaches such as cap and trade mechanism and carbon tax. In comparison, market-based approaches are more effective in climate change era. Among them, carbon tax may be more suitable than cap and trade approach because of its many advantages and China’s current circumstances. From the perspective of engaging in international negotiations in this arena, China shall insist the principle of historical responsibility and principle of common but differentiated responsibility in sharing international obligation on climate change, though its position is inviting some severe criticisms from EU and its member states.