China is making significant strides in ecological progress, driving high-quality development through robust environmental initiatives, according to Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu.
Speaking at the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, Huang emphasized the mutual integration of high-quality development and high-level environmental protection.
Over the past decade, China’s ecological landscape has transformed remarkably. In 2024, the quality of the country's ecological environment continued its upward trend, with 90.4% of surface-water bodies now classified as having excellent water quality—a historic first.
"Without green and low-carbon development, there can be no high-quality development," Huang stated, highlighting the Ministry's focus on sustainable growth. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has designated over 44,000 environmental control units nationwide and introduced 22 measures to support private enterprises.
In addition, the development of the carbon market has been a pivotal factor. The country has achieved an 8.78 percentage point reduction in carbon emission intensity within the coal-fired power generation sector, resulting in savings of approximately 35 billion yuan (about $4.8 billion) for enterprises in carbon reduction costs.
The Ministry has also implemented regulations on pollutant discharge permit management, ensuring that enterprises adhere to stringent emission standards. These efforts collectively underscore China’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality economic growth.
Reference(s):
China's ecological progress drives high-quality development: Minister
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