China sets example in sustainable development: UN Environment

2017-12-10
Xinhua

BEIJING — China has set an example of sustainable development through green industrial policies, according to a report launched on Dec 9 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) in Beijing.

The report, “Green Industrial Policy: Concept, Policies and Country Experiences,” is aimed at raising awareness of green development by showcasing how it both benefits the environment and enhances productivity.

“Rather than the old pattern of first development, then returning to the environment, we should bring them together from the very beginning, and the idea has been turned into action in some economies,” said Erik Solheim, executive director of UN Environment.

According to Solheim, China’s program to electrify road transport has set an example for the world in green development approaches.

The program includes a basket of measures such as technology sharing agreements with global investors, strategic public procurement, purchase subsidies and city trials.

In 2014, China was already producing 85 percent of the world’s electric bikes and exporting some 5 million each year, according to the report.

Claudia Assmann, co-editor of the book and program officer of UN Environment, said after years of efforts, China is on a good track of green development, especially in the areas of electric transport, solar energy and the “sharing economy.”

“There is still great potential,” said Assmann. “But as long as China stays on the track, it can reap the double dividend of environmental improvement and enhanced competitiveness.”