Beneath Chinas low-carbon transitions: political rationalities

Political rationalities constitute one of the two key dimensions of a carbon governmentality. They are concerned with the field of visibility including the problems to be solved, the objectives to be achieved, the forms of knowledge that inform and have arisen from the activity of governing, and the forms of identity presupposed and their transformation sought. This chapter explores these rationalities adopted by key state authorities in China for promoting mitigation and low-carbon transitions (MLCT). It first explores the growing resonance between these rationalities and China's broader developmental discourses that have evolved in the past decades. It then outlines the role of knowledge and learning at the national level. The critical importance of law and regulations in defining the governing objects and subjects is highlighted. Eight key subject groups are identified. The role of subnational governments and their officials, both as governors and the governed, are emphasized.