Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for more efforts to push green development and green lifestyles as the country seeks to better balance economic growth and environmental protection.
At a study session attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Friday, Xi listed six key tasks, including speeding up the transformation of growth models and intensifying anti-pollution measures.
Xi said that China has made historic social and economic achievements since reform and opening up, which the country should be proud of. Rapid development has also left the country with environmental issues that need to be remedied through great efforts, he said.
He said that to push green development and green lifestyles, the country should adopt a new development philosophy and correctly handle the relationship between economic development and environmental protection.
Xi said the country should protect the environment "like one protects one's eyes" and treat the environment "as one treats one's life."
China should firmly reject development models that damage or destroy the environment and bid farewell to practices that boost short-term economic growth at the cost of the environment, he said.
Key tasks have been listed to promote green development and green lifestyles. Specifically, the country should speed up the transformation from over-reliance on resource consumption, high energy use and high emissions to innovation-driven growth.
Anti-pollution measures should be intensified to tackle key issues such as air, water, and soil pollution.
China should also accelerate ecological conservation and restoration, with priority given to protection and natural restoration of the environment.
Resources should be used more efficiently, as excessive exploitation, use, and consumption of natural resources are the fundamental reasons behind many environmental issues.
The country should strive to achieve the greatest economic and social benefits possible with minimal resources and environmental costs.
Authorities should also encourage green consumption, raising the environmental awareness of citizens and pushing for economical, green, and healthy lifestyles and consumption patterns.
The country should also improve mechanisms that promote China's "ecological civilization," applying the strictest systems and the most rigorous laws to protect the environment, Xi said.
