New Books in Political Science In Search of Green China: Ma Tianjie on Pan Yue and the CCP’s “Ecological Civilization"
Oct 18, 2025
Ma Tianjie, a Beijing-based journalist and environmental activist, dives into the life of Pan Yue, a key figure in the Chinese Communist Party advocating for ecological civilization. They discuss how this concept melds traditional Chinese values with eco-Marxism, raising questions about its sincerity versus eco-authoritarianism. The conversation explores historical narratives, grassroots activism spurred by severe pollution, and the role of governmental policy in shaping environmental futures. Tianjie also critiques romanticized views of China's ecological efforts and examines the impact of geopolitical tensions on green initiatives.
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Ecological Civilization As A Civilizational Shift
- Ecological civilization frames environmental protection as a civilizational shift beyond sustainable development.
- Pan Yue and others pushed it as transforming society, not just tweaking growth metrics.
Huai River's Pollution Crisis
- The Huai River became a sewage basin after rapid industrialization and primitive technology use.
- Villagers suffered cancer clusters and even blinded animals from severe chemical contamination.
Marxist Tension Over Growth And Limits
- Chinese environmental debates split between maximizing productive forces and recognizing biophysical limits.
- Officials began to see environmental degradation as a barrier to sustainable labor and growth.
