The Contradiction in China’s Economic Growth, Energy Consumption and Pollution
Mai Anh Vu Tran, Ph.D.; Ruiqi Spence

Abstract
China, as a developing country with a population of 1.3 billion, has to develop the economy to improve people's living standards on one hand, and energy consumption, which would cause environmental damage and pollution, on the other hand. At the beginning of 2015, a documentary Under the Dome (Chai, 2015), which discussed the smog and pollution situation in China, triggered the Chinese people’s awareness to recognize and understand PM2.5 (particulate matter under 2.5 microns in diameter). People began to think deeply about the smog problem in China. Which is more important, environmental protection or the livelihood of Chinese people? How should a decision like this be made? There are economics and sociology accountings under any choice. In other words, there is loss and gain no matter what is chosen. This paper analyzes economic development, energy structure transition, and the environmental situation in China, to help people understand China’s energy situation and have confidence in China’s future.

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