Chapter 1 introduces the environmental crisis in China including the scale and impact of its air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination and pollution by solid waste. The legal responses to the environmental challenge are discussed, focusing on key sources of environmental law including the Constitution; specialized environmental statutes that regulate and control pollution; civil, criminal, administrative and procedural laws that are of crucial relevance to environmental protection; state regulations and administrative rules that implement national laws; judicial interpretations that bind the courts and procuratorates in the adjudication and procuratorial work to ensure consistent application of environmental law; local regulations that implement national laws, regulations and plans at local levels; and international environmental treaties that China has ratified to become a party. The chapter concludes with an examination of the state and party policies and plans that have direct and authoritative influence on the development of Chinese environmental law.