China’s Leadership in Green Innovation
A decade ago, the epicenters of green technology were predominantly in Europe, with cities like Brussels, Paris, and Berlin leading the way. Today, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Erik Solheim, President of the Green Belt and Road Institute and former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program, reflects on this change: “If people ask me where to find the best green technology and ideas, I now tell them to go to Beijing, or perhaps Shenzhen, Hangzhou, or Ningde.”
Driving the Electric Vehicle Boom
China’s commitment to sustainable development is exemplified by its booming new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Companies like BYD and Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory are at the forefront of this transformation. BYD has seen its electric buses and cars gain popularity both domestically and internationally, while Tesla’s Shanghai facility has become its largest manufacturing base globally.
In 2023, China produced and sold approximately 4.5 million electric vehicles, capturing about 55 percent of the global market share. With over 2.1 million public charging stations—65 percent of the world’s total—China has established itself as a dominant player in the electric vehicle industry.
Pioneering Renewable Energy and Ecological Restoration
Beyond the automotive sector, China has made substantial progress in renewable energy. The country’s renewable energy capacity reached 1.1 terawatts in 2023, accounting for around 30 percent of the global total. China leads the world in both wind and solar power capacity, representing 35 percent and 32 percent of the global capacity, respectively.
China’s long-term environmental projects are also bearing fruit. The Three-North Shelter Forest Program, initiated in 1978, has increased the country’s forest cover from 12 percent to 23 percent, resulting in over 76 million hectares of new forest—an area equivalent to the size of Germany.
A New Journey Towards Modernization
“From 2022, China has embarked on a new journey to pursue a Chinese path to modernization, with harmonious coexistence between man and nature an integral part of it,” says Ma Jun, Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs. This approach is set to further develop eco-civilization in China’s long-term socio-economic development and enable China to contribute more to global environmental governance.
Shaping Global Environmental Governance
China’s influence extends beyond its borders. As the chair of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15), China played a pivotal role in crafting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This landmark agreement saw all parties commit to 23 targets by 2030 to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and protect indigenous rights.
Moreover, China has issued guidelines for the environmental management of overseas investment projects, emphasizing eco-friendly practices. Initiatives like the China-Laos railway have made efforts to preserve wildlife habitats by extending tunnels and building bridges instead of roads.
At the 76th United Nations General Assembly in September 2021, China announced it would cease building new coal-fired power projects abroad and actively support green and low-carbon energy development in developing countries.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The recent resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized, “Chinese modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature.” The document pledged to respond to climate change and accelerate improvements to institutions and mechanisms that uphold the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”
China’s leadership in green technology not only transforms its own economy but also sets a precedent for global sustainable development, offering valuable lessons and opportunities for the rest of the world.
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China's push for green technology pioneers global governance
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