An Assessment of Environmental Policy Implications under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Perspective of Environmental Laws and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Environmental issues know no boundaries and are recognised as a matter of regional and/or global concern, and neighbouring countries have to face shared environmental effects. Environmental laws internationally, particularly in the last thirty years, have grown significantly and have contributed to environmental protection in a variety of national, regional and international management strategies. In recent years, environmental legislation has entered into a responsible and mature phase in several non-Western countries, particularly in Asia. The present study examines the shared environmental obligations of regional or neighbouring countries using China and Pakistan as a case study and provides references from international (environmental) laws as well as states’ best practices. This study adopts a well-defined analytical methodology to not only investigate the implications of environmental laws but also to define the gaps in the existing framework of environmental laws in the region and recommend appropriate grounds to systematically fill these gaps through much-needed legal cooperation before it is too late. The study provides a detailed analysis and pertinent knowledge horizons, and concludes that there is an abrupt need for China and Pakistan to revise their trade agreements and include the environment as an integral part of each mega-infrastructural activity, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Most of the potential outcomes are already known but there is little academic discussion available concerning the perspective of cross-boundary environmental laws, and the present study intends to fill this gap.

Environmental Pollution and Regulatory and Non-Regulatory Environmental Responsibility (Reviewing Pakistan Environmental Protection Act)

“…There are many reasons of such higher pollution patterns in Pakistan but the regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to control pollution are not valid or not doing their work properly (Naureen, 2009). Environmental policies should be understood with respect to mitigate environmental risks and its consequences on human health without compromising developmental activities (Khan & Xu, 2021). Environmental improvement plans (EIP's) are well formulated with passionate objectives to control and check pollution but practically they are huge failure.…”

A comparative review of global environmental policies for promoting sustainable development and economic growth

“…Their analysis reveals the potential for significant environmental impacts and the importance of incorporating environmental safeguards into the planning and execution of such projects. This case underscores the necessity of aligning economic development initiatives with environmental protection and sustainable development principles to ensure long-term viability and mutual benefits (Khan & Xu, 2021). Zahra and Badeeb (2022) investigate the effects of fiscal decentralization, green energy, and economic policy uncertainty on environmental sustainability across five OECD countries.…”

“…The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides a case study in assessing the environmental policy implications of major infrastructural projects. Khan and Xu (2021) examine the environmental laws and sustainable development goals within the framework of CPEC, highlighting the need for legal cooperation and environmental considerations in trade agreements and infrastructural projects. Their analysis reveals the potential for significant environmental impacts and the importance of incorporating environmental safeguards into the planning and execution of such projects.…”

Carbon Emissions and Vegetation Dynamics: Assessing the Spatiotemporal Environmental Impacts of Hydropower Dams in the Lancang River Basin

“…In light of China's commitment to 'carbon neutrality' and its 'carbon peak' objectives [19], alongside stringent environmental protection laws that preclude compromising environmental integrity for economic development [20,21], the continued emphasis on dam construction in the Lancang River Basin presents an obvious paradox. This phenomenon raises critical questions about the congruence of such infrastructural developments with the China's environmental and carbon mitigation strategies.…”