What are China's most significant environmental obstacles going forward?

China's largest obstacles to improve the environment lie in its failure to execute environmental policies, prioritization of economic growth over environmental protection, lack of public awareness, and continued economic growth. China has developed numerous environmental laws and policies, but most of them are just on paper. Furthermore, many environmental laws and regulations were written largely piecemeal, lack effective implementation and evaluation of long-term consequences, and need a systems approach. (PBS, 2006)