8 Environmental_and_Social_Economics_Study_Flashcards
What are China’s main environmental challenges?
Air and water pollution, soil degradation, desertification, and climate change impacts like extreme weather and rising sea levels.
What is the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory?
It predicts that environmental degradation increases in early economic development but decreases as income rises and environmental quality becomes prioritized.
How has China pledged to reduce emissions by 2060?
China has committed to carbon neutrality by 2060, peak emissions before 2030, and a 65% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.
What is China’s progress in transitioning to renewable energy?
China is the world’s leading manufacturer of hydropower, solar panels, and wind power generators, with renewables accounting for 15% of energy in 2019.
What causes water pollution in China, and what are its impacts?
Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage cause water pollution, leading to polluted water supplies and reduced agricultural productivity.
What is the ‘Grain for Green’ program, and what are its challenges?
A conservation program converting cropland to forest to prevent soil erosion, but it reduces food production and disrupts ecosystems.
How has China’s coal dependency impacted its environmental policies?
Coal accounts for over half of China’s electricity; despite bans, new coal power plants were built in 2020, showing heavy reliance on coal.
What are China’s efforts in combating desertification?
Initiatives include the Great Green Wall, afforestation, sand control, ecological restoration, and international cooperation.
What are the key social issues related to China’s rapid economic growth?
Regional imbalances, income inequality, gender discrimination, educational pressures, and housing market issues.
What is the concept of ‘Common Prosperity,’ and what does it aim to achieve?
A policy aimed at reducing income inequality and promoting social equity through income redistribution and societal contributions by wealthy individuals and firms.
What is the Gini coefficient, and what does it measure?
A measure of inequality in income or wealth distribution, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).
What are the causes of rural-urban income disparities in China?
Disparities arise from unequal access to public services, the dualistic hukou system, and labor market inequalities.
What is the 996 work culture, and why is it criticized?
A work model requiring employees to work 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week; criticized for poor work-life balance and labor rights violations.
What are the impacts of the housing market crisis on China’s middle class?
The housing bubble burst has led to wealth erosion for middle-class families, generational inequality, and negative equity due to unfinished projects.
How has the one-child policy influenced social and demographic changes?
It caused gender imbalances, aging population challenges, reduced marriage prospects for poor men, and economic impacts on healthcare and pensions.
