This commentary arises from a seminar course on China's environment taught at Yale University. Emerged out of the seminar discussion are five themes, including: a) the balancing act of local interest and regional coordination in the fight against pollution dispersion, b) the creation of special environmental zones for experimenting bold, forward-looking ideas, c) new approaches to environmental education and capacity building, d) the need for international collaboration, and f) the unique situation of checks and balances in China's environmental decision-making. This paper is not intended to provide an in-depth analysis of these topics; rather its goal is to emphasize the need for infusion of western environmental thinking with China's reality.