China's economic transformation has involved painful, but necessary, environmental concessions. "Little Streams, Big River" discusses how cultural and policy norms established long ago, have greatly influenced current environmental challenges in the Middle Kingdom. Moreover, these issues have been further amplified by the unflinching resolve of the Chinese Communist Party for domestic economic development. During the course of China "catching up" with its international counterparts, recent environmental events have reshaped the political agenda. The book examines these aspects along with a number of relevant policy recommendations and investment opportunities. The author analyzes the possibility that China is a more pluralistic and market oriented economy than most economic observers would agree.