China’s vision of an ecological civilization provides thought leadership and practical solutions for global climate governance

Planet Earth is under strain from a “triple crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. However, rising unilateralism and protectionism have led to faltering multilateral cooperation, posing severe challenges to global environmental governance.

In response to the call for advancing sustainability worldwide, China has presented itself not only as a participant but also as a key contributor to global environmental governance guided by  Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

Climate action has been integrated into China’s broader ecological strategy and economic planning, as is concisely illustrated by the concept of “l(fā)ucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. Under the overarching targets set for achieving carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060, China emphasizes both mitigation and adaptation, aiming to build a climate-resilient society, while coordinating efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development and boost economic growth.

As China accelerates its green transition, it has built the world’s largest renewable energy system and the most complete new energy industrial chain. This has pushed the global cost of wind and solar power down by more than 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, over the past decade. More than half of the world’s electric vehicles are on Chinese roads, and the country accounts for roughly one-fourth of the world’s newly added green space through afforestation. Together, these form a Chinese solution to climate change.

Against the backdrop of a turbulent international landscape, global climate governance is at a critical crossroads. China continues to back the multilateral framework centered on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

In September 2025, President  Xi Jinping announced China’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions climate pledge, including the first-ever absolute, economy-wide emissions reduction target covering all greenhouse gases. The renewed ambition signals China’s commitment to addressing climate change in collaboration with other countries, providing the much-needed predictability amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization also provides theoretical contributions and practical leadership and has opened new avenues for global dialogue on environmental governance. International interest has shifted from observing China’s progress to exploring the methodology and worldview behind it.

Some scholars have argued that President Xi’s insight of treating lucid waters and lush mountains as “invaluable assets” is a reconceptualization of the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection. They are increasingly interested in how such ideas are translated into actionable, measurable and transferable policies. China’s approaches are gaining attention as a development paradigm with universal value, particularly among other countries in the Global South seeking practical governance experience.

To that end, Chinese institutions have stepped up theoretical research on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and have summarized China’s ecological conservation approaches and local best practices. A think tank report, titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World”, highlights how environmental protection has fostered new drivers and advantages for development.

Eco-agriculture, forestry and eco-tourism have emerged as new pathways to build green brands, boost product value and create opportunities to “turn green into gold”.

By 2024, China had certified 78,000 green, organic, famous, special, high-quality, new and geographically indicated agricultural products, and identified 1,399 key rural tourism villages. By 2025, 19 villages, including Yucun in Zhejiang province, Xidi in Anhui province and Jingzhu village in Chongqing municipality, have been recognized as “Best Tourism Villages” by the UN Tourism. Such efforts have also contributed to broader rural revitalization.

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization also promotes international cooperation and supports sustainability in other Global South countries. Through the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation, China’s ecological conservation theories and practices have helped produce tangible benefits in multiple countries.

The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya has corridors for wildlife to pass through, offering a visible example of how infrastructure development and conservation can go hand-in-hand. Solar photovoltaic projects in Mongolia can expand energy access while improving air quality. The Great Green Wall initiative along the southern edge of the Sahara has benefited from China’s experience in combating desertification. The China-Africa Green Technology Park has emerged as a demonstration model, bolstering confidence in green development across the continent. At Lake Victoria in East Africa, Chinese expertise has been used to strengthen water management. Taken together, these projects illustrate how China’s environmental policies and experiences are contributing to global green development.

With remarkable achievements in ecological conservation and green transition, China has become a source of practical solutions for advancing global sustainability.

Looking ahead, global environmental governance remains a formidable challenge. Guided by  Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and upholding multilateralism, China will continue to support and strengthen global environmental governance, emphasizing open international cooperation, practical approaches and compelling narratives. The aim is to turn shared aspirations into sustained, pragmatic collaboration to build a prosperous, clean and beautiful world.

The author is the director of the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.