Sustainable development and the investigation of criminal liability for Chinese environmental pollution

Environmental pollutions are on the rise in recent years, and often do a lot harm to sustainable development. As the final legal barrier, the investigation of criminal liability plays a vital role in supporting the sustainable development policy in China. This article analyzed the deficiency of current laws in investigating criminal liability for Chinese environmental pollutions in view of charges, local supervisions and criminal sanctions , and contend that we should give full consideration to modify the current laws to charge offenders in a more effective way, adopt strict environmental liability theory, and enhance supervision of government and public participation, so as to prevent environmental crimes, promote sustainable social development, and construct an ecological civilization.