Ecological civilization case studies published

China's experiences in implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization have been chronicled in a new book published recently.

The publication reveals detailed case studies and personal stories related to the implementation of ecological civilization.

Ecological civilization is a concept that emphasizes harmony between humans and nature, focussing on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

It is organized into five thematic sections, including accelerating the green transformation of development models; deepening pollution prevention and control; enhancing diversity, stability and sustainability of ecosystems; actively and prudently advancing the climate targets of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and realizing carbon neutrality; and improving the institutional system to support the Beautiful China Initiative.

Compiled by the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, it includes nine case studies, including the Blue Cycle program for marine plastic waste management in Zhejiang province and Beijing's "1 microgram initiative" for air quality improvement.

Initiated in 2020, the Blue Circle program in Zhejiang has tapped into digital technologies such as the internet of things and blockchain to promote marine plastic collection.

It enables individuals to visually monitor the entire process of sustainable waste management, from recycling to reuse, and also benefits them economically for collecting marine garbage.

Launched in 2018, the "1 microgram initiative" in Beijing aims to continuously improve air quality, shifting greater focus to sectors like vehicle emissions and dust, which demand refined control measures, and striving for even single microgram-per-cubic-meter improvements.

Through this initiative, each and every microgram of emission reduction counts, especially as it has been increasingly challenging to further improve air quality in the capital following its dramatic decrease in the average density of PM2.5 particulate matter.

PM2.5 particles are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and can pose a significant health risk.

In 2018, the average concentration of PM2.5 in Beijing stood at 51 micrograms per cubic meter, down from in 2013 when it was 89.5 micrograms per cubic meter. The year 2013 was the first year for the capital to monitor and release statistics on air pollutant density.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, this latest publication is part of ongoing efforts to develop a repository of practical case studies demonstrating the implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

The repository aims to provide replicable and scalable solutions to systematically advance the nation's Beautiful China Initiative.