Abstract:

In China’s infamous air pollution, one particularly notorious and
difficult pollutant is SO2. Coal is the primary contributor, while China
accounts for nearly half of global consumption. This presentation aims to
systematically analyze how China has been trying, losing and gaining
grounds to solve this complicated governance and industrial problem in the
past two decades. The motivation for its solution will be examined against
the background of China’s lack of democracy. Major policies will be
introduced and their implementation analyzed. Because China has not
established sound rule of law and courts are rarely visible for
environmental protection, this presentation will explain policy
implementation through exploring the relationships between the central and
local governments as well as between governments and polluters.
Furthermore, the massive demand for SO2 removal facilities pose another
big challenge to their supply. The establishment of the new environmental
industry will be investigated


Bio-Sketch:

Prof. Yuan Xu is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and
Resource Management and leads the Environmental Policy and Governance
Programme in the Institute of Environment, Energy, and Sustainability, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research centers on energy and
environmental policies and strategies, especially on their implementation
as well as related technological innovation and industrial development.
Before joining CUHK in August 2010, Prof. Xu received a Ph.D. degree in
public policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International
Affairs, Princeton University and was a postdoctoral research associate in
the Industrial Performance Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He also holds an M.S. degree in climatology, a B.S. degree in atmospheric
sciences and a bachelor's degree in economics, all from Peking University 

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