China is making significant strides in environmental conservation, championing efforts to protect glaciers and marine life as part of its broader commitment to sustainable development. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, ecology has been elevated to a national priority, emphasizing the importance of preserving nature alongside economic growth.
President Xi Jinping has underscored the necessity of protecting the environment by likening it to safeguarding one’s eyesight. \"Green\" stands as the third of his five \"New Development Concepts,\" marking the first time ecology has been prioritized at such a high level. This dedication is encapsulated in the vision of a \"beautiful\" nation, one where air, water, and soil are clean and healthy.
One of the critical areas of focus is the protection of glaciers in southwest China. Glaciers are vital for providing fresh water and serve as sensitive indicators of climate change. To combat the net loss of glaciers, China employs continuous assessment and innovative technologies. Additionally, in 2021, China's central bank introduced a monetary policy to support carbon reduction projects, fostering low-cost lending for financial institutions and mandating enterprises to report their carbon emissions. This initiative is part of the world's largest carbon trading program, which currently involves over 2,000 companies in the power sector and is set to expand to more industries.
Another significant effort is the protection of Bryde's whales in the Beibu Gulf. By restoring coral reefs, preventing garbage dumping, and limiting fishing, China is enhancing biodiversity as part of its Ecological Civilization. The revised Marine Environment Protection Law further strengthens these efforts by establishing a comprehensive marine environment supervision and management system, coordinating land and sea efforts, and controlling marine pollution and garbage discharge.
Despite these advancements, China continues to address substantial environmental challenges, including plastic pollution. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of plastics, China generated about 60 million tons of plastic waste in 2020 alone. However, there is positive news on the horizon: China's fossil fuel use is projected to peak in 2024 and begin declining in 2025. Additionally, pollution violations are met with strict penalties, reinforcing the commitment to environmental protection.
National Ecology Day, established on August 15, celebrates the progress made under President Xi’s leadership. From 2012 to 2022, China achieved an average annual economic growth of 6.6 percent, while average annual energy consumption grew by only 3 percent. By 2021, energy consumption per RMB10,000 of GDP had decreased by 26.4 percent compared to 2012. These achievements highlight the effectiveness of China's approach to balancing economic development with ecological preservation.
Building a sustainable future, China’s Ecological Civilization continues to evolve, reflecting both its rich history and its forward-looking vision. With ongoing efforts and innovative strategies, China is paving the way for a greener, more prosperous world.
Reference(s):
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