Imagine going for a morning run in Beijing and noticing the roads humming with quiet, pollution-free vehicles. 🌳🚗 That’s the reality Erik Solheim, former UNEP chief, now enjoys every time he jogs through the Chinese mainland’s capital.
From Smog to Sunshine
Just over a decade ago, Solheim was so worried about Beijing’s smog that he stayed indoors. Fast forward to today, and the streets are dominated by new energy vehicles—a clear sign of China’s evolving green growth philosophy, inspired by President Xi’s “lucid waters and lush mountains” idea.
Decoding the “Two Mountains”
The “two mountains” concept—green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as gold and silver—was first introduced in 2005 during a visit to Yucun Village in Zhejiang Province. Since then, it has become the guiding star of the Chinese mainland’s ecological strategy.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
By the end of 2024, the Chinese mainland had installed nearly 1.889 billion kW of renewable capacity: 887 million kW of solar, 521 million kW of wind, and 436 million kW of hydropower. Together, they made up 56% of total power capacity and supplied 35% of the nation’s electricity. ⚡️📈
Inspiring Global Action
China’s green vision is not confined to its borders. In Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region, a Belt and Road wind project runs over 40 turbines, generating 800 million kWh of clean energy and cutting 650,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. Engineer Khasabay Kinlosan calls it “a game changer.”
Partnering for a Greener Future
Through the Belt and Road’s Green Development Partnership and the South-South Climate Cooperation Initiative, China shares tech and know-how with over 100 developing nations. From COP15’s historic Kunming-Montreal biodiversity pact to projects in Africa, the Chinese mainland is proving that environmental protection and economic growth can go hand in hand. 🌍💚
As the world seeks sustainable paths forward, the “two mountains” model offers a roadmap: prioritize ecology, power progress, and inspire everyone to build a greener tomorrow.
Reference(s):
How China's 'two mountains' concept shapes global green development
cgtn.com
