Information, Technology, and Digitalization in China’s Environmental Governance

Abstract

Research on the relationship between information, technology, and environmental governance in the current Information Age has gained momentum in recent years. Nevertheless, much theoretical, empirical, and normative issues remain seriously under-explored. Existing studies also tend to be predominantly based on contexts, experiences, and lessons in advanced democratic societies. What the rapid developments in new information technologies, data, and information networks might mean for environmental politics and governance in non-democratic contexts remains even more elusive. This special issue brings together some of the latest research in the context of contemporary China to shed light on some of these fundamental issues. We argue that the role of information has evolved over time as dominant approaches to environmental regulation have shifted. Yet, findings in this special issue show that how it has manifested in China thus far has been anything but straightforward. While a few parallels can be drawn between advanced democratic countries and China, many of the predictions made about the effects of data and information technologies have not been borne out in China. We raise several questions as a fruitful avenue for further research.

A Comprehensive Knowledge Pedigree on Environmental Transparency

“…This cluster contains 37 articles. For example, Kostka et al [66] found that under the background that the role of information has evolved over time as the dominant environmental regulatory approach has changed, the performance of new information technologies in China has so far been simple. Although some similarities can be drawn between advanced democracies and China, many predictions about the impact of data and information technology have not yet been confirmed in China.…”

“…Third, China has a big gap with developed countries in terms of environmental disclosure quality and ET implementation effect. As Kostka et al [66] put forward when discussing the impact of information technology on environmental regulation, although some similarities can be drawn between advanced democracies and China, many predictions about the impact have not been seen in China. Although one may actively learn from the ET experience of developed countries, it should compare the specific differences between developing countries and developed countries and ponder the reasons for the differences, so that it is possible to find the most suitable path based on the real situation of a developing country.…”