A Comparative Study on the History of Environmental Problems in Japan, Korea, and China

Abstract

This paper attempts to review the history of economic development, environmental changes and policy responses to cope with the problems since the 1960s in the three East Asian countries: Japan, Korea and China. According to the DPSER (Driving force-Pressure-State-Effect-Response) analysis framework, relevant indicators are collected and compared, and then the similarities and differences among the three countries in the causes and mechanisms of environmental changes are discussed. Special focus is given to the comparison of such factors as the industrial development and structural changes, air and water pollution in cities, environmental damages, and the improvement of urban infrastructures. The uniqueness of the causes and environmental policy measures in each country is also discussed.