“The Theoretical Innovation and Practical Power of the Important Thesis that ‘Man and Nature Are a Community of Life’”

When the ecology thrives, civilization thrives; when the ecology declines, civilization declines. In October 2017, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC: “Man and nature are a community of life; mankind must respect nature, follow nature’s ways, and protect nature.” This important thesis highlights the inherent requirements of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and also represents a deepening and innovation in the understanding of the relationship between man and nature. A profound understanding of the important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” from the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions is of great significance for grasping the connotation of Chinese-path modernization and for planning and advancing the construction of a Beautiful China with a higher standpoint, a broader vision, and greater effort.

生态兴则文明兴，生态衰则文明衰。2017年10月，习近平总书记在党的十九大报告中指出：“人与自然是生命共同体，人类必须尊重自然、顺应自然、保护自然。”这一重要论断，彰显了全面建设社会主义现代化国家的内在要求，也是对人与自然关系认识的深化和创新。从历史维度、理论维度、实践维度深刻理解“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断，对于把握中国式现代化的内涵，以更高站位、更宽视野、更大力度谋划和推进美丽中国建设具有重要意义。

The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” is a major theoretical innovation achievement with a deep theoretical foundation that adheres to the integration of theory with practice.

“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断是具有深厚理论根基、坚持理论联系实际的重大理论创新成果

A tree a thousand feet tall has its roots; a river ten thousand miles long has its source. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” is a major theoretical innovation achievement based on Marxist thought on the relationship between man and nature, based on the excellent traditional Chinese ecological culture, and based on long-term practical exploration. It possesses a profound theoretical basis, cultural heritage, and practical foundation.

树高千尺有根，水流万里有源。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断是基于马克思主义人与自然关系思想、基于中华优秀传统生态文化、基于长期实践探索的重大理论创新成果，具有深厚的理论依据、文化底蕴和实践基础。

A major theoretical innovation achievement based on Marxist thought on the relationship between man and nature. Marxism holds that man himself is a product of nature, developing within and together with the environment in which he finds himself. Nature is the basic condition for human survival and development, providing mankind not only with sources of means of subsistence but also with sources of means of production. It is precisely because of the existence of this relationship that the relationship between man and nature is determined to be the basic relationship of human society, and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature is the eternal theme of human development. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” further reveals the scientific laws of the relationship between man and nature. It holds that nature is the mother of life, that man is born from nature, that man produces, lives, and develops in interaction with nature, that if man treats nature well, nature will also reward mankind, that protecting nature is protecting mankind itself, and that treating nature well is treating mankind itself; if nature is not respected and natural laws are violated, nature will only retaliate. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Only by following the laws of nature can mankind avoid detours in the exploitation and utilization of nature; the harm mankind inflicts on nature will ultimately harm mankind itself—this is an irresistible law.” If nature suffers systematic destruction, the survival and development of mankind become water without a source and a tree without roots. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” fully embodies the Marxist view of nature and ecology, achieving the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist thought on the relationship between man and nature. [1]1 The second centenary goal refers to building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the middle of the 21st century, following the completion of the first centenary goal (building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021).

基于马克思主义人与自然关系思想的重大理论创新成果。马克思主义认为，人本身是自然界的产物，是在自己所处的环境中并且和这个环境一起发展起来的。大自然是人类赖以生存发展的基本条件，不仅给人类提供了生活资料来源，而且给人类提供了生产资料来源。正是由于这种关系的存在，决定了人与自然关系是人类社会的基本关系、人与自然和谐共生是人类发展永恒的主题。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断，进一步揭示了人与自然关系的科学规律，认为自然是生命之母，人因自然而生，人类在同自然的互动中生产、生活、发展，人类善待自然，自然也会馈赠人类，保护自然就是保护人类自己，善待自然就是善待人类自己；不尊重自然，违背自然规律，只会遭到自然报复。习近平总书记指出：“人类只有遵循自然规律才能有效防止在开发利用自然上走弯路，人类对大自然的伤害最终会伤及人类自身，这是无法抗拒的规律。”自然遭到系统性破坏，人类生存发展就成了无源之水、无本之木。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断充分体现了马克思主义自然观、生态观，实现了马克思主义人与自然关系思想的中国化时代化。

A major theoretical innovation achievement based on the excellent traditional Chinese ecological culture. The Chinese nation has always respected and loved nature. The Chinese civilization, spanning more than 5,000 years, has nurtured a rich ecological culture and accumulated the deepest spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation. The *Book of Changes* says: “Observe the patterns of heaven to discern the changes of the seasons.” [2]2 Mu is a Chinese unit of area; 1 mu ≈ 0.0667 hectares or 0.1647 acres. 100 million mu is approximately 6.67 million hectares. *Laozi* proposes: “Man follows the earth, earth follows heaven, heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows nature.” [3]3 The 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly was held in 2020; Xi Jinping’s speech was delivered via video link due to the COVID-19 pandemic. *Mencius* holds: “If the seasons of farming are not interfered with, the grain will be more than can be eaten. If close-meshed nets are not allowed into the ponds, the fish and turtles will be more than can be eaten. If axes and hatchets are used in the mountains only at the proper times, the timber will be more than can be used.” [4]4 The “1+N” policy system refers to one overarching guiding document (the “1”) and a set of specific implementation plans for key sectors and regions (the “N”) for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. *Xunzi* states: “When the grasses and trees are in bloom and flourishing, axes and hatchets should not enter the mountains, so as not to cut short their lives or sever their growth.” [5]5 “Four beams and eight pillars” (四梁八柱) is a Chinese idiom referring to the main supporting framework of a structure; here it metaphorically describes the foundational institutional framework of the ecological progress system. The *Book of Rites* (Doctrine of the Mean) says: “All things are nurtured together without harming one another; the ways run parallel without contradicting one another.” [6] These concepts of the ancient Chinese embody a simple ecological wisdom and ecological morality, emphasizing the unification of heaven, earth, and man, linking natural ecology with human civilization, acting in accordance with natural laws, and taking from natural resources at the proper times and in proper measure. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” fully absorbs the ecological wisdom and ecological morality of excellent traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing “respecting nature, following nature’s ways, protecting nature, and promoting the harmonious coexistence of man and nature,” allowing the thought on the relationship between man and nature in excellent traditional Chinese culture to radiate vigorous vitality and dynamism in the New Era.

基于中华优秀传统生态文化的重大理论创新成果。中华民族向来尊重自然、热爱自然，绵延5000多年的中华文明孕育着丰富的生态文化，积淀着中华民族最深沉的精神追求。《易经》说：“观乎天文，以察时变。”《老子》提出：“人法地，地法天，天法道，道法自然。”《孟子》认为：“不违农时，谷不可胜食也；数罟不入洿池，鱼鳖不可胜食也；斧斤以时入山林，材木不可胜用也。”《荀子》中讲：“草木荣华滋硕之时，则斧斤不入山林，不夭其生，不绝其长也。”《礼记·中庸》中说：“万物并育而不相害，道并行而不相悖。”中国古人这些观念体现了朴素的生态智慧、生态道德，强调要把天地人统一起来、把自然生态同人类文明联系起来，按照自然规律活动，对自然资源取之有时、用之有度。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断充分吸收中华优秀传统文化中的生态智慧、生态道德，强调“尊重自然、顺应自然、保护自然，促进人与自然和谐共生”，让中华优秀传统文化中人与自然关系的思想在新时代焕发蓬勃生机和活力。

A major theoretical innovation achievement based on long-term practical exploration. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” is a theoretical innovation achievement proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping on the basis of long-term practice and continuous deepening of the understanding of ecological civilization construction. During his tenure as Party Secretary of Zhengding County, Hebei, Comrade Xi Jinping presided over the formulation of the *Zhengding County Economic, Technological, and Social Development Master Plan*, proposing “better to have no money than pollution, and strictly prevent the relocation of pollution and the transfer of pollution to the countryside.” [7] During his work in Xiamen, Comrade Xi Jinping presided over the compilation of the *1985–2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy*, which included a dedicated chapter on ecological and environmental issues. Adhering to a systematic approach, in 1988 he creatively proposed the “20-character policy” for the comprehensive treatment of Yundang Lake: “govern the lake according to law, intercept and treat sewage, dredge silt and build embankments, revitalize the water body, and beautify the environment.” [8] Over more than 30 years, Xiamen has adhered to drawing the blueprint to the end, starting with the comprehensive treatment of Yundang Lake, carrying out systematic governance with sustained effort, achieving a transformation from a former “stinky lake” to a “city living room.” During his work in Shanghai, he required Chongming to “follow the idea of building an ecological island, do it earnestly and persistently, and as long as the direction is recognized, do not waver.” [9] During his work in local areas, Comrade Xi Jinping also repeatedly emphasized the economic value of the ecological environment. During his work in Ningde, Fujian, he proposed the development idea of “relying on the mountains to sing mountain songs, relying on the sea to recite sea scriptures,” and creatively put forward the scientific thesis that “forests are reservoirs, money banks, and grain banks.” [10] In April 1997, during an investigation in Changkou Village, Sanming, Fujian, he emphasized: “Clear waters and green mountains are priceless treasures; mountainous areas must paint a good ‘landscape painting’ and do a good job on the article of mountains and waters.” [11] Over more than 20 years, Changkou Village has adhered to doing a good job on the article of mountains and waters, integrating the concept of ecological civilization into the construction of beautiful villages, developing characteristic industries such as under-forest economy, cultural tourism and study tours, forest health care, and sports, transforming from a poor “three-no village” into a beautiful and prosperous mountain village with clear waters and lush mountains, beautiful villages, and harmonious people. [12] From Comrade Xi Jinping’s local practices, wherever he went, he practiced the concept of sustainable development. On the one hand, he emphasized that economic growth in a given time and place should not be exchanged for sacrificing the ecological environment; on the other hand, he emphasized allowing clear waters and green mountains to fully exert their economic and social benefits, promoting the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” is a theoretical innovation achievement proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping through continuously deepening the understanding of

基于长期实践探索的重大理论创新成果。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断是习近平总书记在长期实践基础上，不断深化对生态文明建设的认识提出的理论创新成果。习近平同志在担任河北正定县委书记期间，就主持制订了《正定县经济、技术、社会发展总体规划》，提出“宁肯不要钱，也不要污染，严格防止污染搬家、污染下乡”。在厦门工作期间，习近平同志主持编制的《1985年—2000年厦门经济社会发展战略》中设置生态环境问题专章。坚持系统观念，在1988年创造性提出“依法治湖、截污处理、清淤筑岸、搞活水体、美化环境”的筼筜湖综合治理“20字方针”。30多年来，厦门坚持一张蓝图绘到底，以筼筜湖综合治理为起点，系统治理、久久为功，实现了从昔日“臭水湖”到“城市会客厅”的蝶变。在上海工作期间，要求崇明“要按照建设生态岛的思路，认认真真做下去，只要认准了方向，就不要动摇”。在地方工作期间，习近平同志还多次强调生态环境的经济价值。在福建宁德工作期间，提出“靠山吃山唱山歌，靠海吃海念海经”的发展思路，创造性提出“森林是水库、钱库、粮库”的科学论断。1997年4月，在福建三明常口村调研时强调：“青山绿水是无价之宝，山区要画好‘山水画’，做好山水田文章。”20多年来，常口村坚持做好山水田文章，将生态文明理念融入美丽乡村建设，发展林下经济、文旅研学、森林康养、体育运动等特色产业，从一穷二白的“三无村”转变为山清水秀、村美人和的富美山庄。从习近平同志的地方实践看，每到一地，他都会践行可持续发展理念，一方面，强调不能以牺牲生态环境换取一时一地经济增长；另一方面，强调让绿水青山充分发挥经济社会效益，推动人与自然和谐共生。“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断是习近平总书记在实践中不断深化对人与自然关系的认识、深刻总结实践经验而提出的理论创新成果。

Basic Requirements and Principles That Must Be Adhered to in Implementing the Important Thesis that “Man and Nature Are a Community of Life”

贯彻落实“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断必须坚持的基本要求和原则

The important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” is rich in content and profound in scope. At present, China’s economic and social development has entered a stage of high-quality development that accelerates greening and low-carbon transition, yet the construction of an ecological civilization remains in a critical period of overlapping pressures and arduous progress. It is therefore necessary to plan and advance ecological and environmental protection work with a higher standpoint, a broader vision, and greater effort. In implementing the important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life,” the following basic requirements and principles must be firmly grasped.

“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断内涵丰富、博大精深。当前，我国经济社会发展已进入加快绿色化、低碳化的高质量发展阶段，但生态文明建设仍处于压力叠加、负重前行的关键期，必须以更高站位、更宽视野、更大力度谋划和推进生态环境保护工作。贯彻落实“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断，要牢牢把握以下几个基本要求和原则。

Plan development from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in his report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC: “We must firmly establish and practice the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and plan development from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.” This is a new requirement for planning economic and social development, based on China’s new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and advancing toward the second centenary goal. [1]1 The second centenary goal refers to building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the middle of the 21st century, following the completion of the first centenary goal (building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021). China has completed in a few decades the industrialization process that took developed countries several hundred years, and the environmental problems accumulated from rapid development have also entered a stage of high-intensity and frequent occurrence. The traditional development model of high input, high consumption, and high emissions is unsustainable, and the alarm of tension in the relationship between man and nature has been sounded. More importantly, as a large developing country with a population of over 1.4 billion, China has limited environmental capacity and a fragile ecosystem, and the state of the ecological environment has not yet been fundamentally reversed. To enter modernization as a whole, following the old path of Western countries is unworkable, and the pressure on resources and the environment is unbearable. Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Only by planning development from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, taking the coordinated development of the economy, society, population, and nature as the criterion, and effectively integrating the concepts, principles, and goals of ecological civilization into all aspects and the entire process of economic and social development, can we solidly advance Chinese-path modernization to achieve steady and long-term progress.

站在人与自然和谐共生的高度谋划发展。习近平总书记在党的二十大报告中指出：“必须牢固树立和践行绿水青山就是金山银山的理念，站在人与自然和谐共生的高度谋划发展。”这是立足我国进入全面建设社会主义现代化国家、向第二个百年奋斗目标进军的新征程，对谋划经济社会发展提出的新要求。我国用几十年时间走完了发达国家几百年走过的工业化历程，快速发展积累下来的环境问题也进入高强度频发阶段，传统的高投入、高消耗、高排放的发展模式无法持续，人与自然关系紧张的警报随之拉响。更为重要的是，我国作为有14亿多人口的发展中大国，环境容量有限、生态系统脆弱，生态环境状况尚未得到根本扭转，要整体迈入现代化，走西方国家老路是行不通的，资源环境的压力不可承受。中国式现代化是人与自然和谐共生的现代化，只有站在人与自然和谐共生的高度谋划发展，以经济、社会、人口和自然协调发展为准绳，切实把生态文明理念、原则、目标融入经济社会发展各方面与全过程，才能扎实推进中国式现代化行稳致远。

Adhere to respecting nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Human development activities must respect nature, conform to nature, and protect nature; otherwise, they will be retaliated against by nature, a law that no one can resist.” Respecting nature emphasizes holding deep reverence for nature, scientifically understanding and fully respecting the laws of natural ecosystems. Humans are born from nature, and the relationship between man and nature is one of symbiosis. Only by respecting the laws of nature can we effectively prevent taking detours in the development and utilization of nature. Conforming to nature emphasizes actively adapting to the objective laws of natural ecosystems and promoting economic and social development in accordance with these laws. Protecting nature, on the basis of respecting and conforming to nature, further emphasizes strengthening environmental protection and ecological restoration. Respecting nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature are closely related and dialectically unified, with no clear boundaries and even less possibility of separation.

坚持尊重自然、顺应自然、保护自然。习近平总书记指出：“人类发展活动必须尊重自然、顺应自然、保护自然，否则就会遭到大自然的报复，这个规律谁也无法抗拒。”尊重自然，强调的是深怀对自然的敬畏之心，科学认识和充分尊重自然生态系统的规律。人因自然而生，人与自然是一种共生关系，只有尊重自然规律，才能有效防止在开发利用自然上走弯路。顺应自然，强调的是主动适应自然生态系统的客观规律，按照规律推动经济社会发展。保护自然，是在尊重自然、顺应自然的基础上，进一步强调加强环境保护与生态修复。尊重自然、顺应自然、保护自然三者紧密相关、辩证统一，没有明显边界，更不可分割。

Correctly handle the relationship between high-quality development and high-level protection. In July 2023, at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection, General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly elaborated on several major relationships that need to be properly handled in advancing ecological civilization construction, the first of which is the relationship between high-quality development and high-level protection, occupying a commanding and leading position, with overall, fundamental, and long-term significance. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Handling the relationship between development and protection is a worldwide challenge and an eternal issue facing the development of human society.” Currently, China’s economy has shifted from a stage of high-speed growth to a stage of high-quality development, and promoting the greening and low-carbon transformation of economic and social development is a key link in achieving high-quality development. High-quality development and high-level protection complement and reinforce each other. High-level protection is an important support for high-quality development, and high-quality development that prioritizes ecology and is green and low-carbon can only be achieved through high-level protection. Green development is an important component of the new development concept, focusing on solving the problem of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and is an inevitable requirement for building a high-quality modern economic system. Implementing the important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” requires correctly handling the relationship between high-quality development and high-level protection, continuously shaping new drivers and new advantages for development through high-level environmental protection, and achieving the coordinated unity of economic and social development and ecological environmental protection, as well as the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

正确处理高质量发展和高水平保护的关系。2023年7月，在全国生态环境保护大会上，习近平总书记深刻阐述了推进生态文明建设需要处理好的几个重大关系，其中第一个就是高质量发展和高水平保护的关系，居统摄和引领地位，带有全局性、根本性和长期性。习近平总书记指出：“处理好发展和保护的关系，是一个世界性难题，也是人类社会发展面临的永恒课题。”当前，我国经济已由高速增长阶段转向高质量发展阶段，推动经济社会发展绿色化、低碳化是实现高质量发展的关键环节。高质量发展和高水平保护是相辅相成、相得益彰的。高水平保护是高质量发展的重要支撑，生态优先、绿色低碳的高质量发展只有依靠高水平保护才能实现。绿色发展是新发展理念的重要组成部分，注重解决人与自然和谐共生问题，是构建高质量现代化经济体系的必然要求。贯彻落实“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断，要正确处理高质量发展和高水平保护的关系，通过高水平环境保护，不断塑造发展的新动能、新优势，实现经济社会发展和生态环境保护协调统一、人与自然和谐共处。

Historic achievements in practicing the important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life” in the New Era

新时代践行“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断的历史性成就

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has responded to the trends of the times and the people’s aspiration for a better life by incorporating ecological civilization construction into the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, and by practicing the important thesis that “man and nature are a community of life,” China’s ecological civilization construction has undergone historic, transformative, and overall changes from theory to practice.

党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央顺应时代发展趋势和人民对美好生活的向往，把生态文明建设纳入中国特色社会主义事业“五位一体”总体布局。在习近平生态文明思想科学指引下，践行“人与自然是生命共同体”重要论断，我国生态文明建设从理论到实践都发生了历史性、转折性、全局性变化。

The battle against pollution has achieved significant results. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “We must deepen the battle against pollution, concentrate on solving prominent ecological and environmental problems that are close to the people, so that the people can truly feel the improvement in ecological and environmental quality.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has adhered to ensuring and improving people’s livelihoods through development, actively responding to the people’s growing needs for a beautiful ecological environment, and continuously deepening the battle against pollution. China’s skies are bluer, mountains greener, and waters clearer, and the people’s lives are happier. China’s air quality has undergone historic changes: the average concentration of PM2.5 in cities at the prefecture level and above nationwide dropped from 72 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024, making China the country with the fastest improvement in air quality in the world. Water environmental quality has undergone transformative changes: in 2024, the proportion of surface water sections with Class I–III water quality was 90.4%. The overall seawater quality in China’s coastal waters remained stable, with the proportion of excellent (Class I and II) water quality at 83.7%. The main stream of the Yangtze River has maintained stable Class II water quality for five consecutive years, and the main stream of the Yellow River for three consecutive years. Soil environmental risks have been effectively controlled, rural environmental quality has significantly improved, and soil environmental quality has undergone fundamental changes.

污染防治攻坚战取得显著成效。习近平总书记指出：“要深入打好污染防治攻坚战，集中攻克老百姓身边的突出生态环境问题，让老百姓实实在在感受到生态环境质量改善。”党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚持在发展中保障和改善民生，积极回应人民群众日益增长的优美生态环境需要，持续深入打好污染防治攻坚战，我国天更蓝、山更绿、水更清，人民生活更幸福。我国空气质量发生了历史性变化，全国地级及以上城市PM2.5平均浓度从2013年的72微克/立方米降到2024年的29.3微克/立方米，成为世界上空气质量改善最快的国家。水环境质量发生转折性变化，2024年地表水Ⅰ—Ⅲ类水质断面比例为90.4%。全国近岸海域海水水质总体保持稳定，优良（Ⅰ、Ⅱ类）水质比例为83.7%。长江干流连续5年、黄河干流连续3年全线水质稳定保持在Ⅱ类。土壤环境风险得到有效管控，农村环境质量明显改善，土壤环境质量发生基础性变化。

The green and low-carbon transformation has been accelerated. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Establishing a green, low-carbon, and circular economic development system and promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development are the fundamental measures for solving China’s ecological and environmental problems.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has vigorously promoted the transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure, energy structure, transportation structure, and urban environmental governance structure, driving the comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation of the economy and society. The spatial layout for green development has been gradually optimized, and a system for differentiated management of the ecological environment has been basically established. Positive results have been achieved in reducing overcapacity in high-energy-consuming, high-emission, and low-efficiency industries, and the quality and efficiency of the green environmental protection industry have continued to improve. Non-fossil energy has achieved leapfrog development, with the scale of renewable energy development and utilization and the production and sales of new energy vehicles ranking first in the world, making green the distinctive background of high-quality development. From 2013 to 2023, China supported an average annual economic growth of 6.1% with an average annual energy consumption growth of 3.3%. In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP fell by 3.4% compared with the previous year.

绿色低碳转型加快推进。习近平总书记指出：“建立健全绿色低碳循环发展经济体系、促进经济社会发展全面绿色转型是解决我国生态环境问题的基础之策。”党的十八大以来，我国大力推动产业结构、能源结构、运输结构、城市环境治理结构转型升级，推动经济社会全面绿色低碳转型。绿色空间布局逐渐优化，生态环境分区管控体系基本建立。化解“两高一低”产能取得积极成效，绿色环保产业质量效益持续提升。非化石能源实现跨越式发展，可再生能源开发利用规模、新能源汽车产销量居世界第一，绿色成为高质量发展的鲜明底色。2013年至2023年，我国以年均3.3%的能源消费增速支撑了年均6.1%的经济增长。2024年，全年全国万元国内生产总值二氧化碳排放比上年下降3.4%。

The quality and stability of ecosystems have steadily improved. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has continuously advanced key ecological projects such as large-scale land greening, wetland and river-lake protection and restoration, desertification control, and soil and water conservation, implementing 52 integrated protection and restoration projects for mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, with a cumulative treatment area exceeding 100 million mu. [2]2 Mu is a Chinese unit of area; 1 mu ≈ 0.0667 hectares or 0.1647 acres. 100 million mu is approximately 6.67 million hectares. The construction of the ecological protection supervision system has been deepened, the ecological protection red line system has been fully implemented, the supervision of ecological damage issues has been continuously strengthened, and the creation of ecological civilization demonstration zones has been further promoted. The overall pattern of ecosystems is stable, the quality of ecosystems continues to improve, the functions of water conservation, soil retention, and biodiversity maintenance in ecosystems are basically stable, and the functions of wind prevention and sand fixation and carbon sequestration have been significantly enhanced. The Ecological Quality Index (EQI) value is 59.95, with the comprehensive ecological quality evaluation rated as “Class II,” indicating that China’s biodiversity is relatively rich, the proportion of natural ecosystem coverage is relatively high, and the ecological structure is relatively complete with relatively perfect functions. The area of ecological protection red lines on land accounts for more than 30% of the national land area, and the forest coverage rate exceeds 25%. A system of nature reserves with national parks as the main body has been basically established.

生态系统质量和稳定性稳步提升。党的十八大以来，我国持续推进大规模国土绿化、湿地与河湖保护修复、防沙治沙、水土保持等重点生态工程，实施52个山水林田湖草沙一体化保护和修复工程，累计完成治理面积超过1亿亩。深化生态保护监管体系建设，全面落实生态保护红线制度，不断加大生态破坏问题监督力度，深入推进生态文明示范创建工作。生态系统格局整体稳定，生态系统质量持续改善，生态系统水源涵养、土壤保持和生物多样性维护功能基本稳定，防风固沙和碳汇功能明显增强。生态质量指数（EQI）值为59.95，生态质量综合评价为“二类”，表明中国生物多样性较丰富、自然生态系统覆盖比例较高、生态结构较完整、功能较完善。全国陆域生态保护红线面积占陆域国土面积比例超过30%，森林覆盖率超过25%。以国家公园为主体的自然保护地体系基本建立。

Positive results have been achieved in the work of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. In September 2020, at the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Xi Jinping solemnly declared: “China will enhance its nationally determined contributions, adopt more vigorous policies and measures, strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030, and work hard to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.” [3]3 The 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly was held in 2020; Xi Jinping’s speech was delivered via video link due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our country has firmly implemented a proactive national strategy to address climate change, and positive progress has been made in both climate change mitigation and adaptation work. A comprehensive “1+N” policy system for peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality has been established, [4]4 The “1+N” policy system refers to one overarching guiding document (the “1”) and a set of specific implementation plans for key sectors and regions (the “N”) for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. action to peak carbon emissions in key areas has been promoted, the world’s largest carbon emissions trading market has been built and is operating smoothly, a national climate change adaptation strategy has been formulated and implemented, and efforts have been made to enhance the climate resilience of natural ecosystems, economic and social systems, and key vulnerable regions. The synergy between pollution reduction and carbon reduction has yielded notable results. From 2013 to 2022, while sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions fell by 85% and 60% respectively, carbon emission intensity decreased by 34.4% in tandem.

碳达峰碳中和工作取得积极成效。2020年9月，在第七十五届联合国大会一般性辩论上，习近平主席郑重宣布：“中国将提高国家自主贡献力度，采取更加有力的政策和措施，二氧化碳排放力争于2030年前达到峰值，努力争取2060年前实现碳中和。”我国坚定实施积极应对气候变化国家战略，减缓、适应气候变化工作均取得积极进展。构建系统完备的碳达峰碳中和“1+N”政策体系，推动重点领域碳达峰行动，建成全球规模最大的碳排放权交易市场并平稳运行，编制实施国家适应气候变化战略，努力提升自然生态系统、经济社会系统及关键脆弱区域气候韧性。推动减污降碳协同增效成效明显，2013—2022年，二氧化硫、氮氧化物排放量分别下降85%、60%的同时，碳排放强度协同下降34.4%。

The level of modernization of the ecological environment governance system and governance capacity has been continuously raised. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “We must raise the level of modernization of the ecological environment governance system and governance capacity, and improve the environmental governance system in which Party committees lead, governments take the lead, enterprises are the main actors, and social organizations and the public participate together.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has embedded institutional development throughout the process of ecological progress, and the “four beams and eight pillars” of the ecological progress institutional system have basically taken shape. [5]5 “Four beams and eight pillars” (四梁八柱) is a Chinese idiom referring to the main supporting framework of a structure; here it metaphorically describes the foundational institutional framework of the ecological progress system. The Party Central Committee and the State Council have issued the “Opinions on Accelerating the Promotion of Ecological Progress,” the “Overall Plan for the Reform of the Ecological Progress System,” and dozens of specific reform plans, gradually promoting the establishment of basic institutions such as a system of property rights for natural resource assets, a system for the development and protection of territorial space, an environmental governance system, a market system for environmental governance and ecological protection, and a system for performance evaluation, assessment, and accountability for ecological progress. The ecological progress institutional system has undergone a systemic reshaping. The compilation of an ecological environment code has been steadily and orderly advanced, more than 30 laws on ecological environment protection and restoration, over 100 administrative regulations, and more than 1,000 local regulations have been formulated or revised, and special intra-Party regulations such as the “Regulations on the Work of Central Ecological Environment Protection Inspection” have been formulated and implemented.

生态环境治理体系和治理能力现代化水平不断提升。习近平总书记指出：“要提高生态环境治理体系和治理能力现代化水平，健全党委领导、政府主导、企业主体、社会组织和公众共同参与的环境治理体系”。党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央将制度建设贯穿于生态文明建设进程，“四梁八柱”的生态文明制度体系基本形成。党中央、国务院出台《关于加快推进生态文明建设的意见》《生态文明体制改革总体方案》及几十项具体改革方案，逐步推动建立自然资源资产产权制度、国土空间开发保护制度、环境治理体系、环境治理和生态保护市场体系、生态文明绩效评价考核和责任追究制度等基础制度，生态文明制度体系实现系统性重塑。稳步有序推进生态环境法典编纂，制修订生态环境保护法律30余部、行政法规100多件、地方性法规1000余件，制定实施《中央生态环境保护督察工作规定》等专项党内法规。

Uphold that man and nature form a community of life, and jointly build a clean and beautiful world.

坚持人与自然是生命共同体，共建清洁美丽世界

At present, the trend of global warming continues, extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, the rate of global species extinction is accelerating, the situation of land desertification remains severe, and the difficulties facing global environmental governance are unprecedented. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Faced with ecological and environmental challenges, humanity is a community of shared future where all prosper together and all suffer together. No country can stand aloof.” This points the way forward for the international community to uphold that man and nature form a community of life, join hands to meet the challenges of global environmental governance, and jointly build a clean and beautiful world.

当前，全球变暖趋势仍在持续，极端气候事件更加频繁，全球物种灭绝速度不断加快，土地荒漠化形势依然严峻，全球环境治理面临的困难前所未有。习近平总书记指出：“面对生态环境挑战，人类是一荣俱荣、一损俱损的命运共同体，没有哪个国家能独善其身。”这为国际社会坚持人与自然是生命共同体，携手应对全球环境治理挑战、共建清洁美丽世界指引了前进方向。

Join hands to meet the challenge of climate change. Climate change is a common challenge for all of humanity. Addressing climate change concerns the future and destiny of humanity. Faced with the difficulties and challenges of global climate governance, the international community must act with unprecedented ambition and action, have the courage to take responsibility, work together with one heart and one mind, actively respond to climate change, and jointly seek the path of harmony between man and nature. We must uphold multilateralism, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and promote the building of a fair, reasonable, and win-win global environmental and climate governance system. We must uphold the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement as the basic legal compliance for international cooperation in addressing climate change. We must focus on practical action, provide support in the areas of technology, funding, and capacity building in the climate change field, pragmatically advance a just transition, have developed countries fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to take the lead in emission reduction and provide funding, and promote the implementation of climate change response measures. We must accelerate green transformation, driven by scientific and technological innovation, promote the transformation and upgrading of the energy structure, industrial structure, and consumption structure, and explore new paths for the synergy between development and protection.

携手应对气候变化挑战。气候变化是全人类的共同挑战。应对气候变化，关乎人类前途命运。面对全球气候治理的困难与挑战，国际社会要以前所未有的雄心和行动，勇于担当，勠力同心，积极应对气候变化，共谋人与自然和谐共生之道。要坚持多边主义，坚持共同但有区别的责任原则，推动构建公平合理、合作共赢的全球环境气候治理体系。坚持把《联合国气候变化框架公约》及其《巴黎协定》作为国际社会合作应对气候变化的基本法律遵循。聚焦务实行动，提供气候变化领域技术、资金、能力建设领域支持，务实推进公正转型，发达国家落实率先减排并出资责任义务，推动应对气候变化举措落地实施。加速绿色转型，以科技创新为驱动，推进能源结构、产业结构、消费结构转型升级，探索发展和保护协同新路径。

Jointly advance the process of biodiversity governance. In his keynote speech at the Leaders’ Summit of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, President Xi Jinping pointed out: “Biodiversity makes the Earth full of vitality and is also the foundation for human survival and development. Protecting biodiversity helps to safeguard our planetary home and promote sustainable human development.” Properly addressing the challenge of biodiversity loss and seeking harmony for all living things is a task that requires long-term effort and must be undertaken with concerted effort and urgent action. We must maintain a fair and reasonable global order for biodiversity protection, build global consensus on biodiversity protection, and form a strong synergy for global biodiversity governance. We must earnestly implement the Convention on Biological Diversity and its related protocols, advance the implementation of the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, support developing countries in enhancing their capacity, and synergistically address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. We must advance biodiversity protection and sustainable use, promote green development through biodiversity protection, and accelerate the green transformation of the development model and lifestyle.

合力推进生物多样性治理进程。习近平主席在《生物多样性公约》第十五次缔约方大会领导人峰会上发表主旨讲话指出：“生物多样性使地球充满生机，也是人类生存和发展的基础。保护生物多样性有助于维护地球家园，促进人类可持续发展。”妥善应对生物多样性丧失挑战，为万物谋和谐，是一项任重道远的事业，必须同心协力，抓紧行动。维护公平合理的生物多样性保护全球秩序，凝聚生物多样性保护全球共识，形成全球生物多样性治理强大合力。切实履行《生物多样性公约》及其相关议定书，推进“昆明—蒙特利尔全球生物多样性框架”目标落实，支持发展中国家提升能力，协同应对气候变化、生物多样性丧失等全球性挑战。推进生物多样性保护与可持续利用，通过生物多样性保护推动绿色发展，加快发展方式和生活方式绿色转型。

Continue to deepen international cooperation in areas such as desertification control, marine pollution control, and nuclear safety. Unswervingly fulfill the obligations of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, strengthen international cooperation in sand prevention and control, jointly advance the governance of global desert ecosystems, and let deserts benefit humanity. Deepen international exchanges in the marine field, cooperate to address global marine ecological and environmental problems such as land-based pollution, marine litter, and microplastics, jointly safeguard the safety of the marine ecological environment, jointly promote the development of the blue economy, steadily advance global marine environmental governance, and jointly build a maritime community with a shared future. Deepen international cooperation in the field of nuclear safety, build international consensus on strengthening nuclear safety, and strengthen the international nuclear safety system.

持续深化荒漠化防治、海洋污染治理、核安全等领域国际合作。坚定不移履行《联合国防治荒漠化公约》义务，加强防沙治沙国际合作，共同推进全球荒漠生态系统治理，让荒漠造福人类。深化海洋领域国际交流，合作应对陆源污染、海洋垃圾与微塑料等全球海洋生态环境问题，共护海洋生态环境安全，共促蓝色经济发展，稳步推进全球海洋环境治理，共建海洋命运共同体。深化核安全领域国际合作，凝聚加强核安全的国际共识，加强国际核安全体系建设。

Jointly build a green Belt and Road. In May 2017, at the First Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, President Xi Jinping pointed out: “We should practice the new concept of green development, advocate green, low-carbon, circular, and sustainable production and lifestyles, strengthen cooperation in ecological and environmental protection, build an ecological civilization, and jointly achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” We must uphold the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit, deepen Belt and Road partnership, and build the Belt and Road with high quality. We must improve multilateral cooperation platforms such as the Green Belt and Road International Coalition, implement the Green Silk Road Envoys Program, continue to deepen cooperation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy, and green transportation, solidly advance the implementation of projects in areas such as climate change and biodiversity protection, and truly make green the defining feature of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, jointly building a green Belt and Road responds to the aspirations of people of all countries for a civilized development path with a sound ecology, broadens the modern path of green and low-carbon development, and contributes Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to jointly building a clean and beautiful world, promoting global ecological governance, and resolving the global ecological crisis.

共同建设绿色“一带一路”。2017年5月，习近平主席在第一届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛上指出：“要践行绿色发展的新理念，倡导绿色、低碳、循环、可持续的生产生活方式，加强生态环保合作，建设生态文明，共同实现2030年可持续发展目标。”要秉持和平合作、开放包容、互学互鉴、互利共赢的丝路精神，深化“一带一路”合作伙伴关系，高质量共建“一带一路”。完善“一带一路”绿色发展国际联盟等多边合作平台，落实绿色丝路使者计划，持续深化绿色基建、绿色能源、绿色交通等领域合作，扎实推进气候变化、生物多样性保护等领域项目落地，让绿色切实成为高质量共建“一带一路”的底色。以习近平生态文明思想为指引，共同建设绿色“一带一路”顺应各国人民对生态良好的文明发展道路的希冀，拓宽了绿色低碳的现代化路径，为共建清洁美丽世界、推动全球生态治理、化解全球生态危机贡献了中国智慧、中国方案。

(The author is Deputy Director of the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization)

（作者为习近平生态文明思想研究中心副主任）

(This article was commissioned by the People’s Forum magazine and edited by the Theory Department of the People’s Daily)

（本文由人民论坛杂志社组稿，人民日报社理论部编辑）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心