Motivation and Outcome, Why Local Officials Take Voluntary Actions to Improve the Environment in China and What Factors Ensure Successful Improvement?

Abstract

In China, environmental protection is carried out by local officials on the ground. Even though regulating polluting industries involves painstaking processes, local officials are motivated by the combined effects of certain conditions to proactively improve the environment. The ultimate force that ensures environmental improvement lies in the hands of the central government that issues direct and strong mandates. However, it is imperative that the central government would not abuse its power and force local officials to engage in environmental projects when they were unable to avoid the negative consequences on the local economy and social stability.