The ambiguity of Chinese energy investments and possible environmental impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

China's influence around the world has grown considerably in recent years, as it has accumulated financial reserves that now generate substantial state-directed investments and developments, with a notable emphasis on the infrastructure sector. As China is becoming a global economic power, such investments cause trade friction with some countries, mainly with the United States. In addition to financial impacts, these investments can cause numerous environmental impacts. From 2013 on, China increased the integration of those investments under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which bets on the development of land and sea routes through several countries, mainly in Europe, Africa and Asia...