The Chinese Government's Role in Implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements: The Case of the Montreal Protocol

Abstract

The Multilateral Fund (MLF) created by amendments to the Montreal Protocol played a key role in motivating the Chinese government to ratify and comply with the Protocol.  Two other factors have affected China’s actions in meeting the Protocol’s requirements: the nation’s desire to appear as a responsible and cooperative actor in solving global environmental problems, and the interest of China’s principal implementing agency in expanding its responsibilities and authorities.  Three factors have had significant roles in enhancing the national government’s ability to implement the Protocol: expanded administrative capacity of the unit responsible for coordinating MLF-related activities, participation of local government units with capability to enforce regulations, and the employment of market-based environmental policy instruments.