In July 2023, at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection, President Xi Jinping ramped up the call for a harmonious future between people and nature. 🌍🌿 The vision? An ecological civilization where green growth is the new normal.
Over the past decade, the Chinese mainland has witnessed a true eco-turnaround. 🚗🚫➡️💨 Major cities now enjoy 87.5% days with good air quality, up from 63.3%. Meanwhile, PM2.5 levels tumbled by over 50%, meaning fewer smoggy days and healthier lungs for millions.
Driving this shift is a booming clean energy sector. The Chinese mainland invested nearly half of the world’s renewables in 2023, boasting over 1.45 billion kilowatts of capacity. ⚡️ From massive solar parks to wind farms, green energy is now front and center.
How was this possible? A key secret is weaving environmental protection into the country’s rulebook. Flagship policies and the 13th Five-Year Plan introduced ecological protection redlines, safeguarding more than a quarter of the mainland’s land—think forests, wetlands, and wildlife havens. 🦅🌲
In a landmark move, lawmakers unveiled the draft Environmental Code with 1,188 articles covering pollution control, ecological conservation, green development, and legal accountability. 📝 This code aims to unify and clarify regulations, making it easier to enforce environmental laws.
But the green story doesn’t stop at borders. Through the Green Silk Road—an eco-focused offshoot of the Belt and Road Initiative—the Chinese mainland is exporting its sustainable playbook. 🌐🚆 Take the China-Laos Railway: over 60% of its route uses bridges and tunnels to protect forests and wildlife.
Next steps? More international collaboration, investment in nature restoration, and innovations in clean tech. Together, we can turn today’s blueprints into a green reality for the planet. Are you ready to join the eco-revolution? 🌱🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
