Historically, the relationship between the Chinese people and nature was one of utilization and, wherever possible, control, but with this pragmatism there was always a strong element of admiration and reverence. This respect came largely through the influence of religion.
Books
This Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment Roger S. Gottlieb (Editor) EDITION: Routledge; (December 1995) This Sacred Earth begins with spiritual reflections by naturalists. Surveying traditional religious myths, creation stories, and conceptions of nature--with extensive selections from Jewish, Christian, Native American, Indian, African, Chinese, and indigenous texts and commentators, the contributors focus on religion in the age of environmental crisis. We see how individuals and institutions are reinterpreting and transforming old traditions, and eco-feminists are challenging patriarchal perspectives.
Buddhism and Ecology: The Interconnection of Dharma and Deeds (Religions of the World and Ecology) Mary Evelyn Tucker (Editor), Duncan Ryuken Williams (Editor) EDITION: Harvard University; Reprint edition (January 1998) Buddhism is a tradition which has cultivated a profound sense of the interconnection of all life-forms in its doctrine of dependent origination. This teaching of interrelatedness may be a critical basis for the recovery of human reciprocity with nature and with all life-forms. This volume examines Buddhism´s understanding of the intricate web of life. In noting the cultural diversity of Buddhism, it highlights aspects of the tradition which may be helpful in formulating an effective environmental ethics.
17 monks from Dongzhulin monastery in Shangri-la, Diqing, Yunnan Province, took part in a WWF training course, on August of 2005, 12 entitled ‘Environmental Thought from Tibetan Buddhism: Purifying our Minds to Solve Environmental Problems.’ During the training, monks debated on how Tibetan Buddhism can contribute towards protecting the environment. http://www.wwfchina.org/english/loca.php?loca=337
The Forum on Religion and Ecology is the largest international multireligious project of its kind. With its conferences, publications, and website it is engaged in exploring religious worldviews, texts, and ethics in order to broaden understanding of the complex nature of current environmental concerns.
http://environment.harvard.edu/religion/main.html
Articles
Roger S. Gottlieb (Editor) 
