From EarthTrends:
March 28, 2008, saw the launch of China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). As stated in its mission, this new cabinet-level ministry will take responsibility for China’s environmental governance. MEP is tasked to develop and organize the implementation of environmental protection; to manage all related planning, policy and standards; and to coordinate across jurisdictions and levels of government to solve the country’s major environmental problems.
The creation of the MEP is an example of the widespread reforms that have been transforming China’s government in the past decades. Since 1982, five waves of major reforms have reduced the number of government ministries from 52 to 27. The latest round of these has aimed to create a “small government in a big society” (小政府,大社会), as public-sector priorities have shifted from economic development to regulation and public service. However, such a bold long-term transformation will only be possible by maintaining current rates of economic growth while simultaneously reducing inflation pressure and preserving central government macroeconomic performance. The Chinese government will also need to strike the dedicate balance between development, environment and social stability.
