Profoundly Understanding the Multiple Relations in Ecological Civilization

Ecological progress is coordinated and integrated with economic, political, cultural and social progress. Economic development is the foundation, social development the goal, political development the guarantee and cultural inheritance and innovation the soul. In promoting ecological progress, we should bear in mind the current conditions while looking to the future; push it forward comprehensively with clear priorities; practice it in China but also take the lead in the world; and focus on outstanding environmental problems while emphasizing systematic and overall effects. We cannot drain the pond for fish or kill the hen for eggs—that’s sacrificing our offspring’s well-being for immediate interests and short-term growth; nor can we give up development and willingly stay in poverty for environmental protection. It’s hard to realize a sound ecosystem cycle without livelihood improvement, and livelihood won’t sustain either if we neglect the improvement of environmental quality. Therefore, we must adopt green development, take the path of sustainable development and walk into a new era of ecological civilization.