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“Beautiful China” as the name suggests is an initiative which aims to create and manage an environmentally friendly and sustainable China. Focusing specifically on reducing pollutants, achieving carbon neutrality, promoting green development, and special protections for certain ecosystems.
Introduced in 2012 the idea of the “Beautiful China” initiative has gone from a concept and an idea to a long-term plan. With set and quantifiable goals and specific plans to achieve said goals. On July 19th, 2023, at the National Conference ecological and environmental protection in Beijing, Chinese president Xi Jinping stated that the next 5 years were going to be crucial for China if the nation wants to maintain its goals for a “Beautiful China”. Xi emphasized the importance of harmonious living between humans and nature, urging for a holistic approach to ecological challenges. Further commenting that he would like to see progress in terms of fighting pollution, ensuring biodiversity, and advancing green development.
In January of 2024 the Chinese government released a concrete outline of its goals and stated clearly the progress envisioned over the next 37 years.
- By 2027, China is dedicated to achieving a continuous reduction in major pollutants while simultaneously enhancing the quality of its ecological environment. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining the national ecological protection red line area. And covering over 3.15 million square kilometers, which was initially introduced in 2017 to enforce strict protection of areas with crucial ecological functions.
- The country’s objectives for 2030 include reaching the peak of carbon emissions, setting the stage for carbon neutrality by 2060. Specific targets involve achieving a 45 percent share of new energy vehicles in the total number of new automobiles and phasing out old diesel locomotives. Simultaneously, efforts will be made to ensure the sustained growth of port container transport.
- As the timeline progresses towards 2035, the focus will shift to the development of green production methods and lifestyles, characterized by the peak and subsequent decline in carbon emissions. The overarching goal is a fundamental improvement in the national ecological environment. Key milestones include increasing railway freight turnover to approximately 25 percent, achieving global advanced efficiency in energy and water resource utilization, implementing zero-waste city construction nationwide, raising national forest coverage to 26 percent. As well as elevating the soil and water conservation rate to 75 percent to foster a virtuous ecosystem cycle.
- Looking ahead to 2050, China would like to see a comprehensive improvement in its ecological civilization. The nation aims to fully embrace green development and lifestyles, achieve significant decarbonization in key sectors, and establish a healthy and aesthetically pleasing ecological environment. This journey culminates in the realization of a “Beautiful China” across all aspects of its ecological landscape.
The “Beautiful China ” initiative is going to have significant influence over businesses and the private sector through its promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Another enforcement mechanism for achieving the goal of a beautiful China is to encourage and reward companies and organizations for following suit with their endeavors to invest in green technology and align their practices with new environmental standards. This may create new opportunities for any businesses involved in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable development as well. Opportunities can also be provided to businesses that actively contribute towards achieving the goals of a “Beautiful China.” Such companies may receive “support, recognition, and preferential treatment, enhancing their reputation and market position.”
China is steadfast in its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions, considering clean energy as integral to its future trajectory. The country has successfully reduced carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 34.4%, implemented the world’s largest carbon market, and emerged as a frontrunner in various renewable energy sectors. In 2023, China experienced remarkable growth in solar and wind energy capacities, surpassing fossil fuel-based capacity for the first time. Notably, solar installations hit a record 34 gigawatts in the first quarter, nearly tripling the previous high, while wind power installations set a record with 10.4 gigawatts added, reflecting a 32% increase over 2022. China’s focus on green industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and renewable energy, has attracted substantial investments. Which has helped establish Chinese companies like BYD, CATL, and Longi Green Energy Technology as global leaders in these burgeoning sectors. This strategic emphasis aligns with broader economic goals, underlining China’s commitment to sustainable and innovative industry development.
Despite robust policy support, China encounters significant challenges in realizing the objectives of the “Beautiful China” initiative. Official figures indicate a 5.2 percent economic growth in 2023, slightly surpassing the government’s target but falling short of pre-pandemic growth rates. This slower economic expansion raises concerns for China’s green development initiatives. Potentially impacting funding and resources allocated to sustainability projects. Local governments may face a dilemma between the pressure for economic growth and the need to adhere to sustainability requirements.
Furthermore, despite substantial growth in renewable technology investment and production in China. Recent research from CREA in August 2023 signals an upswing in coal power activities. In the first half of 2023, China commenced the construction of 37 gigawatts of new coal power capacity. Subsequently resulting in a 10 percent year-on-year increase in CO₂ emissions in Q2 2023. Additionally, the competitive landscape with the U.S. and potential trade barriers could further compound China’s challenges in achieving a sustainable and resilient economy. Even with substantial investments in high-tech manufacturing, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and renewables, the emphasis on manufacturing as a growth catalyst is a response to the economic downturn. However, this strategy carries the risk of escalating trade tensions amid global efforts to strengthen essential industries.
