As China marks its 75th anniversary, the nation is showcasing a robust commitment to environmental protection, positioning it as a central pillar of national development. President Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, declaring that safeguarding the environment is as essential as protecting one's eyesight.
\"Green\" is the third of Xi's five \"New Development Concepts,\" marking a significant elevation of ecological concerns to a top national priority. This shift underscores China's dedication to building a \"beautiful China,\" one of the six aspirational adjectives that define the nation's rejuvenation. Achieving beauty, however, necessitates clean air, pure water, and healthy soil, areas where significant progress has been made.
From 2016 to 2023, urban air quality improved dramatically, with PM2.5 concentrations decreasing by 28.6% and days of heavy pollution dropping by 93%. Surface water quality saw an increase from 68% to nearly 90%, and soil environmental risks were mitigated by reducing 100 million tons of solid waste. These strides reflect the growing public demand for cleaner environments and the government's dedication to enforcing strict pollution regulations.
China's global contributions to greening are equally impressive. The nation accounts for about a quarter of the world's new greening areas in the 21st century, outpacing other countries in forest growth even as global forest resources decline. Expanding its national park system, China is committed to preserving biodiversity, protecting ecological security, and ensuring that natural assets are preserved for future generations. Special protection centers for endangered species like giant pandas and Asian elephants highlight these efforts.
In the realm of green transformation, China has balanced robust economic growth with significant reductions in energy intensity, achieving a 26% decrease. The country boasts the world's largest carbon market and a comprehensive clean power generation system, with 26.4% of energy consumption now derived from clean sources. Renewable energy installations, including hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass, surpass coal-fired power capacities, and China leads globally in new energy vehicle production.
Looking ahead, President Xi envisions a green lifestyle widespread by 2035, with carbon emissions on a stable decline and the ecological environment thoroughly improved. Building an ecological civilization is not just a policy but a long-term vision integral to China's modernization journey.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
