In sum, the reforms to date not changed the system to the extent that pressure from below will shape the environmental issues on the national agenda. The semi reformed nature of the Chinese economy has unleashed vast initiatives at local levels for rapid economic growth, and it has also created a nexus of state-economic ties that still inhibit vigorously addressing environmental problem. Ongoing reforms should move the system over time in the direction necessary to address its environmental challenges more effectively. Ironically, the damage done in the interim may be of sufficient magnitude to constrain growth significantly to disrupt the social stability so coveted by the government.