12.1 The Rise of Environmental Awareness in Chinese Writing

Environmental awareness in Chinese writing has grown significantly since the early 20th century. From nature descriptions to critiques of industrialization, writers have increasingly addressed ecological issues, reflecting China's changing social and political landscape.

Contemporary Chinese literature tackles pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Influenced by economic reforms, global integration, and government policies, writers use environmental themes to explore societal issues and advocate for sustainable development.

Environmental Themes in Modern Chinese Literature

Historical Development of Environmental Themes

Top images from around the web for Historical Development of Environmental Themes

• 

  Lu Yin (writer) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Linguistic Legacy of the May 4 Movement - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Pollution in China - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lu Yin (writer) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Linguistic Legacy of the May 4 Movement - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Historical Development of Environmental Themes

• 

  Lu Yin (writer) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Linguistic Legacy of the May 4 Movement - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Pollution in China - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lu Yin (writer) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Linguistic Legacy of the May 4 Movement - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Early 20th century Chinese literature incorporated nature and landscape descriptions reflecting a growing awareness of the natural world and its beauty
• The May Fourth Movement of 1919 marked a turning point in Chinese literature with writers increasingly addressing social and political issues including environmental concerns
• In the 1920s and 1930s, left-wing writers such as Lu Xun and Mao Dun critiqued the environmental degradation caused by industrialization and modernization
• During the Maoist era (1949-1976), literature primarily served political purposes with limited attention to environmental themes
  • Some works, such as "The Song of Youth" by Yang Mo, touched upon the relationship between humans and nature
• The post-Mao period saw a resurgence of environmental consciousness in Chinese literature with writers exploring the ecological consequences of rapid economic development and urbanization (pollution, deforestation)
• Contemporary Chinese literature has witnessed a growing emphasis on environmental issues with writers addressing topics such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change

Influence of Social and Political Factors

• The economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s led to rapid industrialization and urbanization causing severe environmental problems and prompting writers to address these issues
• The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and the subsequent political crackdown led some writers to use environmental themes as a way to indirectly critique the government and society
• China's increasing integration into the global economy and participation in international environmental agreements (Kyoto Protocol) raised awareness of environmental issues among Chinese intellectuals and writers
• The growing influence of international environmental movements and the rise of Chinese environmental NGOs contributed to the increased visibility of environmental concerns in Chinese literature
• The Chinese government's promotion of "ecological civilization" as a national strategy in the early 21st century encouraged writers to engage with environmental themes in their works

Key Writers and Works of Environmental Consciousness

Shen Congwen and Ai Qing

• Shen Congwen's works, such as "Border Town" (1934) and "Long River" (1938), celebrated the beauty of nature and rural life contrasting them with the corrupting influence of modernization
• Ai Qing's poem "Snow Falls on China's Land" (1937) lamented the destruction of the natural environment caused by the Japanese invasion during World War II

Contemporary Writers

• Jiang Rong's novel "Wolf Totem" (2004) explored the relationship between humans and nature in Inner Mongolia highlighting the ecological consequences of China's modernization
• Wang Jiaxin's poetry collection "Pity the Drowned" (2010) addressed the devastating impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River ecosystem and local communities
• Xu Gang's novel "The Waste Tide" (2013) depicted the environmental and social consequences of electronic waste recycling in southern China
• Chen Qiufan's science fiction novel "The Waste Tide" (2013) imagined a dystopian future shaped by environmental degradation and technological advancements

Social and Political Factors Influencing Environmental Awareness

Economic Reforms and Globalization

• The economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s led to rapid industrialization and urbanization causing severe environmental problems (air pollution, water contamination) and prompting writers to address these issues
• China's increasing integration into the global economy and participation in international environmental agreements (Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement) raised awareness of environmental issues among Chinese intellectuals and writers

Political Events and Government Policies

• The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and the subsequent political crackdown led some writers to use environmental themes as a way to indirectly critique the government and society
• The Chinese government's promotion of "ecological civilization" as a national strategy in the early 21st century encouraged writers to engage with environmental themes in their works
• The growing influence of international environmental movements (Greenpeace, WWF) and the rise of Chinese environmental NGOs (Friends of Nature, Green Earth Volunteers) contributed to the increased visibility of environmental concerns in Chinese literature

Impact of Environmental Literature on China

Public Awareness and Education

• Environmental literature has played a crucial role in raising public awareness of environmental issues in China encouraging citizens to engage in environmental protection activities and advocacy
• Works such as "Wolf Totem" and "The Waste Tide" have sparked national debates on the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability influencing public opinion and policy discussions
• The popularity of environmental literature has contributed to the growth of environmental education in China with many schools and universities incorporating these works into their curricula

Representation of Marginalized Communities

• Environmental literature has provided a platform for marginalized communities (rural residents, ethnic minorities) to voice their concerns about the ecological and social impacts of development projects (dam construction, mining operations)
• These works have shed light on the disproportionate burden of environmental degradation borne by disadvantaged groups and have advocated for more equitable and sustainable development practices

Influence on Government Policy

• The success of environmental literature has encouraged the Chinese government to take a more proactive approach to environmental protection with increased investments in renewable energy, conservation efforts, and pollution control measures
• However, the impact of environmental literature on policy-making remains limited as economic growth and political stability often take precedence over environmental concerns in China's decision-making processes