The green issue

Economic transformation on the scale China is experiencing is inescapably accompanied by, indeed largely grounded in, environmental transformation.

This is not simply a matter of greater human 'impact on the environment, but of a changing relationship with it, as nature is processed into increasingly complex energies, goods and services, in the context of increasingly complex local and global econo mic relationships.

Whilst many in the international community are alarmed by these changes, a great deal of official development assistance has aimed, sensibly, at increasing China s capacity to contain the harmful effects of industrial processes through pollution abatement technologies and improved treatment and disposal of wastes.

But another important area of concern is whether China has, or is developing, the civic and governmental institutions necessary to mediate a new relationship with nature.

And a further critical issue with technical, social and economic dimensions, is how to secure sustainable livelihoods for the many millions who, in a rapidly industrialising society, continue to live, and are likely for many years yet to live, from the la nd.

That is the main focus of this 'green issue of China Development Briefing, which also contains short news items, a profile of the European Union and a second instalment of the bilateral aid compendium.

The next issue

China Development Briefing 3 will attempt a broader mix of articles, with short analyses and digest of NGO activity in HIV/AIDS, rural credit schemes and disability.

Our pilot issue was sponsored by Oxfam Hong Kong; this second issue was made possible by a grant from Save the Children–UK. The newsletter will continue to require funding support and we are in the process of establishing a consortium of supporting agenci es. However, to offset costs, future circulation will be by subscription only, at a cost of US$100 for six issues (US$50 for Chinese mainland organisations).

Click here for subscription information.

The net issue

may now be viewed on the internet at http://www.hku.hk/cerc/china/cdb. It is hoped that this issue will also be uploaded; but for future subscriber-only issues, internet access will be limited to a home page with sample a rticles.