Abstract: Since its inception in the 1980s, Chinese environmental ethics has developed for nearly half a century, from its initial “Eastward dissemination of Western learning” — the translation and introduction of Western writings on environmental ethics — to anchoring the construction of an independent knowledge system. After a period of rapid early growth in academic output, Chinese environmental ethics has entered a relatively “silent” phase. Reflection on the absence of a local perspective, the weakening of practical efficacy, and the practical demands of ecological civilization construction all urge Chinese environmental ethics to actively adjust its orientation — to strengthen its capacity to guide real life through values in building an independent knowledge system.

Key words: Chinese environmental ethics, independent knowledge system, value guidance