13. Environmental and Resource Protection Law

The chapter begins by defining the environment as the totality of natural and modified factors affecting human existence, highlighting the long history of environmental problems. It delves into the emergence of environmental laws, tracing their development from ancient times to the modern era, focusing on the industrial revolution and its consequences. The chapter also discusses the principles and characteristics of environmental and resource protection laws, emphasizing their comprehensiveness, scientificity, common interest, and special legal relationships. Additionally, it explores the legal systems involved, such as land use planning, environmental impact assessment, and the 'three simultaneous' system, showcasing the evolution and complexity of environmental legislation. The chapter concludes with an overview of natural resource protection laws, their characteristics, and the main principles guiding their implementation.