Colloquium is co-sponsored by the Center for Asian Studies
40 years ago, upon announcing the 鈥淩eform and Opening-up鈥� of China, the Communist Party called for 鈥渟ocial forces鈥� to 鈥渟ubsidize and fill gaps in state services鈥�. This, combined with the dramatic environmental and public health implications of China鈥檚 rapid economic development, created a space in which Chinese Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) could thrive. These ENGOs have grown in number, size, and influence, and they have adopted strategies that have made them a unique bridge across multiple parts of society鈥攂etween citizens and scientists, the government, and businesses鈥攃reating a number of external benefits beyond just the initial goal of environmental protection.听听
This talk will focus first on the development of ENGOs in recent Chinese history, assessing their evolving strategies and the challenges they have faced. From this, the relationships ENGOs have developed with citizens, scientists, government, and businesses will be discussed, with a number of case studies giving light to specific examples of how Chinese ENGOs are staying at the forefront of bridging these societal actors. Finally, I will look at the current and future challenges that face ENGOs, again utilizing these case studies to provide specific examples of the regulatory issues, technological strategies, and partnerships they are forming.
Lyssa Freese
PhD Student in Atmospheric Science
Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Planetary Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology听