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Emerging digital environmental governance in China: the case of black and smelly waters in China

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  • Angel Hsu
  • Zhi Yi Yeo
  • Amy Weinfurter

Abstract

China is enlisting information communication technologies (ICTs) and citizens to address gaps in environmental management. In this paper, we empirically evaluate ICT-facilitated, citizen-generated data collection through China’s “Black and Smelly Waters Program.” Utilizing the app’s citizen reports and water quality data in Guangzhou, we assess whether the reports led to significant improvement in four common water quality indicators. We found water bodies that received citizen reports had poorer levels of water quality than those that did not receive complaints. Through a fixed effects regression model, we find that COD levels decreased by 36.3% and 38.9% five and six months after reports were made. We did not observe a significant effect on other water indicators considered. We conclude that China’s preliminary experience suggests ICT-enabled citizen engagement, combined with strengthening governance through political avenues, may enable governments to overcome challenges related to implementing top-down policies and fostering civic participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Angel Hsu & Zhi Yi Yeo & Amy Weinfurter, 2020. "Emerging digital environmental governance in China: the case of black and smelly waters in China," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 63(1), pages 14-31, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:63:y:2020:i:1:p:14-31
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2019.1661228
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    Cited by:

    1. Angel Hsu & Li Lili & Marco Schletz & Zhitong Yu, 2024. "Chinese cities as digital environmental governance innovators: Evidence from subnational low-Carbon plans," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 51(3), pages 572-589, March.
    2. Chen Wang & Ruolin Zhu & Jian Zhong & Huajin Shi & Chang Liu & Huiyu Liu & Bohao Tan & Lijuan Xiang & Ruizi Xiang & Xinru Ye & Ming Sun, 2023. "Smellscape Characteristics of an Urban Park in Summer: A Case Study in Beijing, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    3. Kaiyang Zhong, 2022. "Does the digital finance revolution validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve? Empirical findings from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(1), pages 1-19, January.
    4. Allison Lassiter & Nicole Leonard, 2022. "A systematic review of municipal smart water for climate adaptation and mitigation," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(5), pages 1406-1430, June.
    5. Mao, Yihuan & Lin, Yan, 2024. "Do more hands make work easier? Public supervision and corporate green innovation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1064-1083.
    6. Lo, Kevin, 2021. "Authoritarian environmentalism, just transition, and the tension between environmental protection and social justice in China's forestry reform," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    7. Ge, Jingfang & Adamowicz, Wiktor L. & Si, Wei, 2021. "Can environmental regulation achieve win-win growth in environmental and economic performance: evidence from the sugar industry under China’s mandatory environmental information disclosure policy," 2021 ASAE 10th International Conference (Virtual), January 11-13, Beijing, China 329398, Asian Society of Agricultural Economists (ASAE).
    8. Kees Van Montfort & Vinitha Siebers & Frank Jan De Graaf, 2020. "Civic Crowdfunding in Local Governments: Variables for Success in the Netherlands?," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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