From Green Water to Golden Mountains: The Evolution of Ecological Development

From 1978 to 2018, China underwent significant transformations in environmental protection and ecological development. The chapter delves into the evolution of environmental policies, from the initial focus on technical governance to a comprehensive approach integrating administration, law, economy, and finance. Key milestones include the enshrinement of 'ecological development' in the Constitution in 2018, reflecting China's commitment to sustainable growth. The text also explores the deepening of green concepts, the strengthening of environmental institutions, and continuous improvements in governance, highlighting the establishment of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the implementation of central environmental inspections. Additionally, it discusses the broader, wider, and more comprehensive development of ecological protection measures, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to environmental management. The chapter concludes by noting the significant progress made in air and water quality improvement, energy conservation, and the development of green finance, positioning China as a leader in global ecological development.