BEIJING – China’s ecological environment witnessed steady improvement in 2023, as the nation strengthened environmental protection and accelerated the green transformation of its growth models. Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report at the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday.
Premier Li highlighted the intensified efforts to prevent and control pollution, resulting in a significant reduction in the discharge of major pollutants. Improvements were noted in the water quality of surface and coastal waters, contributing to the overall enhancement of the nation’s ecological environment.
One of the major initiatives launched was the comprehensive implementation of the “Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program”, a massive afforestation project aimed at combating desertification and improving air quality. In a historic milestone, China’s installed capacity of renewable energy surpassed that of coal power for the first time, contributing half of the global increase in renewable capacity in 2023.
“We have made great efforts to build a beautiful China and continuously battled for blue skies, clean water, and fertile soil,” Premier Li said. The government report emphasized China’s active participation in global climate governance and the formulation of policies to support the development of green and low-carbon industries.
The nation also upgraded key industries to achieve ultra-low emissions and initiated the construction of the first batch of carbon-peak pilot cities and industrial parks. These steps reflect China’s commitment to fulfilling its environmental responsibilities and promoting sustainable development.
As China advances its green transformation, these developments signal positive prospects for global environmental efforts and offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers interested in Asia’s dynamic role in global affairs.
Reference(s):
China sees steady improvement in ecological environment in 2023
cgtn.com
