Work Towards a Green Economy in the 14th Five-Year Plan Period
257
particular, Northern European countries have been leading the world in sustainable
development and have embarked on a green and sustainable development path where
environmental improvement and economic and social development go hand in hand.
On January 15, 2019, five countries in Northern Europe issued a joint statement,
vowing to go carbon neutral, that is, achieve net zero carbon emissions, by 2050.
They also planned to call on countries around the world to work together to keep
the global temperature rise within 1.5 °C by the end of the twenty-first century at
the UN General Assembly to be held in the United States in September 2019. The
experience of the Nordic countries can be summarized as the following four aspects.
First, the government plays a leading role, the legislature enacts laws and rules,
and administrative departments put forth specific sustainable development goals,
plans, and budget and invite social organizations to conduct third-party assessment.
Second, enterprises are actively engaged and set an example for the world in terms of
innovation technology and operation models. For example, the Northern European
smart grid covers six countries, allowing enterprises on the supply side and users
on the demand side to have a free choice and enabling spot and futures trading
simultaneously. This effectively avoids water, wind, or solar curtailment. Third, social
organizations serve as a bridge between the government and enterprises. For example,
the education sector helps children develop environmental awareness and sustainable
innovation abilities. Fourth, the function of the income distribution system and the
role of the media in guiding public opinion are brought into full play, and the spirit of
social contract has taken root, and the social credit system is in place. It can be said
that Northern Europe puts a premium on environmental protection. As the saying
goes, “Jade can be polished by stones from other hills.” We should draw on their
experience and strive to make China more beautiful and livable.
It should be noted that China is still facing a grave situation of environmental
pollution. We should pool resources to tackle four outstanding problems during the
14th Five-Year Plan period.
(1) Unswervingly tackle smog to return the blue sky to the people
Northern regions dependent on heavy industries are often shrouded in smog, which is
caused by high concentrations of particulate matter, posing a threat to public health.
This goes against the purpose of economic development that is, improving people’s
livelihoods so that they can live a longer and healthier life. Therefore, we must put
people first, enhance our sense of responsibility, and go all out to prevent and control
smog and honour our solemn commitment to keeping the air clean for people.
(2) Take solid action to curb water pollution to provide clean drinking water for
the people
Water pollution includes pollution of rivers, lakes, ponds, coastal areas, and groundwater. It can pose a high risk to people’s health and has become a pressing issue that
must be resolved firmly. The key lies in putting all available resources in the initiative
and strengthening supervision over pollution sources. Especially, river basin water
pollution across different regions requires concerted efforts of local governments in
257
particular, Northern European countries have been leading the world in sustainable
development and have embarked on a green and sustainable development path where
environmental improvement and economic and social development go hand in hand.
On January 15, 2019, five countries in Northern Europe issued a joint statement,
vowing to go carbon neutral, that is, achieve net zero carbon emissions, by 2050.
They also planned to call on countries around the world to work together to keep
the global temperature rise within 1.5 °C by the end of the twenty-first century at
the UN General Assembly to be held in the United States in September 2019. The
experience of the Nordic countries can be summarized as the following four aspects.
First, the government plays a leading role, the legislature enacts laws and rules,
and administrative departments put forth specific sustainable development goals,
plans, and budget and invite social organizations to conduct third-party assessment.
Second, enterprises are actively engaged and set an example for the world in terms of
innovation technology and operation models. For example, the Northern European
smart grid covers six countries, allowing enterprises on the supply side and users
on the demand side to have a free choice and enabling spot and futures trading
simultaneously. This effectively avoids water, wind, or solar curtailment. Third, social
organizations serve as a bridge between the government and enterprises. For example,
the education sector helps children develop environmental awareness and sustainable
innovation abilities. Fourth, the function of the income distribution system and the
role of the media in guiding public opinion are brought into full play, and the spirit of
social contract has taken root, and the social credit system is in place. It can be said
that Northern Europe puts a premium on environmental protection. As the saying
goes, “Jade can be polished by stones from other hills.” We should draw on their
experience and strive to make China more beautiful and livable.
It should be noted that China is still facing a grave situation of environmental
pollution. We should pool resources to tackle four outstanding problems during the
14th Five-Year Plan period.
(1) Unswervingly tackle smog to return the blue sky to the people
Northern regions dependent on heavy industries are often shrouded in smog, which is
caused by high concentrations of particulate matter, posing a threat to public health.
This goes against the purpose of economic development that is, improving people’s
livelihoods so that they can live a longer and healthier life. Therefore, we must put
people first, enhance our sense of responsibility, and go all out to prevent and control
smog and honour our solemn commitment to keeping the air clean for people.
(2) Take solid action to curb water pollution to provide clean drinking water for
the people
Water pollution includes pollution of rivers, lakes, ponds, coastal areas, and groundwater. It can pose a high risk to people’s health and has become a pressing issue that
must be resolved firmly. The key lies in putting all available resources in the initiative
and strengthening supervision over pollution sources. Especially, river basin water
pollution across different regions requires concerted efforts of local governments in