Over a decade ago, Erik Solheim arrived in Beijing and was greeted not by fresh air, but by thick smog that kept him indoors. Today, the former UNEP executive carves out time each morning for a jogbreathing easy under clearer skies.
On his latest visit, Solheim noticed that most vehicles were new energy models: quiet, pollution-free, cost-effective and drivers of a booming green-tech job market. "They create a large number of jobs related to green technologies," he notes, reflecting on Chinas rapid ecological transformation.
At the heart of this shift is President Xi Jinpings "two mountains" concept: "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." This principle has steered policy toward clean energy, reforestation and sustainable urban design across the Chinese mainland.
According to President Xi, "Harmony between man and nature is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. China is a steadfast actor and major contributor in promoting global green development." As the world seeks fresh green strategies, the two mountains concept offers a blueprint for balancing growth with environmental health.
Reference(s):
How China's 'two mountains' concept shapes global green development
cgtn.com
