학술논문

Understanding ecological civilization in China: From political context to science
Document Type
Original Paper
Source
Ambio: A Journal of Environment and Society. 52(12):1895-1909
Subject
Ecological civilization
Eco-civilization governance
Eco-civilization indicators
Eco-civilization policy
Eco-civilization practice
Language
English
ISSN
0044-7447
1654-7209
Abstract
China’s concept of “ecological civilization” can be understood as a new system of development and governance based on the perspective of political decision-making. Environmental management, ecological restoration, and green development are its primary principles—distinctly different from industrial and agricultural-oriented civilizations. In this paper, we evaluate the evolution of political connotations of the ecological civilization concept in China over the past 15 years through a textual analysis approach. Additionally, we systematically outline an ecological civilization indicator system and analyze its evolutionary process, applicable scales, and role in guiding the implementation of the ecological civilization concept. Eco-civilization demonstration sites and experiences are also discussed, followed by a review of academic research and policy-making responses. Finally, we propose different perspectives on the outlook for the future of ecological civilization development in China.