UN Environment chief: China's ecological civilization inspires other countries

Erik Solheim, executive director of UN Environment

Erik Solheim, executive director of UN Environment, noted that the concept of ecological civilization is not just something for China, but a model that can influence and inspire the rest of the world when he talked about Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at the closing meeting of the 2018 National People's Congress on March 20.

Chinese President Xi called for more energy and more concrete measures to advance the building of an ecological civilization, accelerate efforts to develop green production and ways of life, and work harder to tackle prominent environmental problems.

Solheim said China's attitude and action regarding the environment is "spectacular".

“We've seen significant improvements in air quality in major cities including Beijing, a major shift towards renewable energy and the incredible development of public transport systems,” he said.

When it comes to the relation between environment and economy, Solheim pointed out China is showing that a healthy environment is perfectly compatible with a healthy economy, and in fact that positive environmental action can deliver better paid and better quality jobs.

In response to President Xi's saying that “China will contribute more Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the world, to push for building an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity,” Solheim said that President Xi has outlined a very positive vision of China's place in the world.

“This is particularly important in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, because this plan is rooted in ecological civilization and long-term sustainability,” he added.

In his opinion, changes taking place in China will help drive a shift in the rest of the world and China is changing global market forces. Also, the price of solar energy has dropped massively thanks to Chinese economy of scale.

“China can wield huge influence over the path that developing nations are taking. It can help them leapfrog the dirty and polluting practices of the past, and it shows that rapid development is also compatible with strong and sustainable growth,” he said.