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Amid the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity decline, the need for green and low-carbon development has become more critical than ever. Zhao Liang, the Project Coordinator for Policy Advocacy and Greening the Belt and Road Initiative at the World Wide Fund for Nature, highlights that the reckless exploitation of Earth’s resources has pushed ecosystems to their limits. 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record, while wildlife populations worldwide have suffered a dramatic decline of more than two-thirds.
China has made notable strides in promoting environmental protection both within its borders and on the global stage. Domestically, the nation has launched key initiatives such as the national park system to preserve endangered species like the giant panda, and implemented the “Ecological Redline” system, which shields more than a third of its land. These efforts have led to encouraging results, including the giant panda’s successful reclassification from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
“Green and low-carbon development is no longer an abstract concept. It’s an imperative for building a sustainable future that benefits people, the climate, and nature,” stated Zhao.
China’s investments in green technology have significantly transformed global energy sectors. Advances in solar, wind, and electric vehicle technologies have driven energy costs down by more than 70%, speeding up the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Internationally, China has promoted cooperation through projects like the Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania, Australia, which powers 60,000 homes, and the solar plant in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, which supplies 30% of the region’s electricity needs. These initiatives not only meet energy requirements but also generate jobs and bolster local infrastructure.
Zhao emphasized that addressing climate change and biodiversity loss demands global collaboration. “China’s efforts, from reforestation to international green tech partnerships, show how countries can work together to tackle these challenges,” he remarked, advocating for stronger global cooperation. By advancing green and low-carbon development, China is playing a key role in shaping a future where economic growth and environmental conservation go hand in hand. |
