Achieving a comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation in our economic and social development requires interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and regional solutions. This highlights the need for balancing development with emissions reductions while addressing both long-term and short-term goals. It is equally important to synchronize the roles of government and the market. The focus should be on steady progress, with a grounded approach that prioritizes practicality and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Recently, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with the State Council, issued a document detailing their strategies for accelerating the green transformation of socio-economic development. This document emphasizes critical tasks aimed at advancing this initiative across all sectors and regions.
The vision for Chinese-style modernization seeks to create a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Both domestic and international experiences have shown that paths defined by high consumption, high emissions, and high pollution are unsustainable. From 2013 to 2023, China experienced an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3.3%, which facilitated a 6.1% economic growth rate. During this period, the country saw a 26.1% decrease in energy consumption intensity, positioning China among the fastest nations to achieve significant reductions in energy intensity and marking impressive advancements in green development.
In the first half of this year alone, China made remarkable strides in economic green transformation. The renewable energy capacity surpassed 50%, and the market share of new energy vehicles reached 35.2%. Major cities reported an average of 82.8% of days with good air quality, and China has built the world’s largest and most comprehensive new energy industrial chain, providing 70% of global photovoltaic components and 60% of wind power equipment.
However, it’s essential to recognize that China’s energy structure still heavily relies on coal, and its industrial composition is largely focused on traditional industries. Although the ecological environment is showing improvement, its quality remains unstable, indicating that the journey toward accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of our economy and society is lengthy and fraught with challenges.
To promote green transformation, we must effectively coordinate development with emissions reduction. Reducing emissions doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity or halting production; rather, it signifies prioritizing ecological health while pursuing green, low-carbon development. For example, the cement industry, previously labeled as “backward” due to its high energy consumption, is now seen as a model of environmental responsibility through innovation, developing processes that recycle waste into cement with zero carbon emissions.
This evolution demonstrates that the green and low-carbon transition is both an objective for socio-economic development and a new catalyst for it, creating fresh opportunities, demands, and spaces for growth. Sectors such as new energy, new materials, and electric vehicles are thriving, while innovations in green technology are set to unleash a fresh wave of productivity. Emerging consumption trends including green consumption, the sharing economy, and eco-tourism are continually evolving, paving the way for new business models.
Promoting green transformation necessitates striking a balance between long-term and short-term perspectives to manage the pace and intensity of the transition effectively. Achieving a green low-carbon transition is not a quick fix; it involves a systematic approach to tackling concrete issues step by step, while maintaining a long-term vision that avoids the pitfalls of seeking immediate gains.
Taking the energy transition as an example, China’s energy profile is primarily coal-dependent, further complicated by the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Thus, coal remains a critical component of the energy supply. This reality requires a cautious strategy, ensuring the clean and efficient use of coal while rapidly developing a new energy system to secure energy safety.
A successful green transition also hinges on collaboration between government and market forces, establishing robust incentive mechanisms and constraints. Enterprises are the main engines of this transformation, often involved in projects marked by long investment cycles, lower returns, and uncertain risks. Thus, government entities need to develop long-term, stable transition plans and implement supportive policies for green and low-carbon development across fiscal, financial, investment, and pricing frameworks. This will help cultivate stable expectations within the market and industries.
Shifting toward a green, low-carbon economy necessitates comprehensive strategies that cross disciplines, sectors, and regions. It is vital to effectively manage the interplay between development and emissions reduction, aim for both long-term and short-term goals, and align government and market approaches. By adhering to steady progress, grounding ourselves in reality, and maintaining sustained efforts, we can contribute to creating a modern society where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.
