Environmental Management Systems: In Place, but Must Be Implemented

Abstract

This chapter discusses environmental governance issues in China in terms of administrative organizations, laws, and institutions. China learned a lot of things from the experiences and practices in the United States, Europe, and Japan. China has adopted progressive principles regarding environmental management, and good legislation is in place. In terms of implementation and operation of the systems, however, there is still much to be desired. Human and technical capacity that forms the basis for the systems is still inadequate, especially at the local level. There are gaps between principle and practice, and systems may not operate exactly the way intended. As China’s economic power is expanding, the role of Chinese corporations has become decisively important not only to comply with national environmental regulations but also to pay due attention to corporate social responsibility for protecting the global environment.