From East to West: Lessons Learned from China and the UK's Approaches to Environmental Regulation of Multinational Enterprises

Abstract

Environmental regulations play a crucial role in shaping the operations of multinational enterprises (MNEs), with different countries adopting diverse approaches to ensure sustainable development and reduce environmental degradation. This essay will provide an in-depth comparison of the environmental regulations in China and the UK, focusing on critical aspects of their regulatory frameworks, climate change and carbon emissions policies, corporate environmental reporting requirements, and enforcement and compliance systems. The central argument of this essay is that the differences in ecological regulations between China and the UK have significant implications for MNEs operating in these countries, affecting their compliance costs, operational risks, and opportunities for innovation. By comparing the regulatory landscapes in China and the UK, this essay provides valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders in understanding the complexities and implications of multinational operations in different regulatory environments.