Qing emperors (1644 – 1912), like other rulers in imperial China, would likely view pollution through a lens of moral, political, and cosmological concerns rather than purely environmental ones. The framework for their perception would be shaped by Confucianism, Taoism, and the practical governance of their empire.

1. Cosmic Harmony and the Emperor’s Mandate

• The emperor was seen as the “Son of Heaven” (天子, tiānzǐ), responsible for maintaining harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. Pollution, especially in the form of visible environmental degradation or noxious air, could symbolize a disturbance in this harmony.

• Any imbalance in nature was often interpreted as a reflection of the emperor’s moral failing or mismanagement of the state. Events like famines, floods, or pestilence caused by pollution might be seen as omens indicating the need for reform or ritual purification.

2. Pollution as a Governance Issue

• The Qing dynasty was a period of expanding urbanization and economic growth, especially during the early reigns of emperors like Kangxi and Qianlong. With growing cities came waste management challenges.

• Pollution in rivers or farmlands could disrupt agriculture, which was the foundation of the empire’s economy. Qing emperors would prioritize addressing such issues to ensure food…