Erik Solheim, former UN Environment Programme chief, vividly remembers Beijing's smog-choked skies during his first visit over a decade ago. "I didn't even dare to go for a run," he recalls. Today, the Norwegian diplomat makes morning jogs a priority during China trips, breathing air transformed by what he calls "the world's most ambitious green revolution."
On his latest run through the capital, Solheim noticed a quiet revolution rolling through the streets: "Most vehicles are electric now – clean, affordable, and creating millions of green jobs." This observation reflects China's broader ecological transformation under President Xi Jinping's "Two Mountains" concept, which treats environmental protection as valuable economic assets rather than growth obstacles.
From Philosophy to Action
The concept – "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" – has become China's environmental compass. It drives initiatives from massive reforestation projects to leading global renewable energy investments. China now manufactures over 80% of the world's solar panels and operates 60% of global electric vehicles.
Global Green Blueprint
Solheim notes developing nations increasingly adopt China's model: "They see environmental tech becoming an economic engine." The philosophy aligns with President Xi's vision of "harmony between humanity and nature as central to Chinese modernization," offering an alternative development path that combines industrialization with ecological preservation.
The Road Ahead
As climate challenges intensify, China's integration of environmental and economic policies provides actionable insights. With green technology exports growing 35% annually, the "Two Mountains" approach demonstrates how ecological priorities can drive both domestic transformation and global sustainable development.
