Hunan takes a lead with green urban development initiative

Phrases like "green GDP" and "low-carbon economy" have been more and more common in the Chinese press over recent years. This has been a reflection of the country's desire and determination to succeed in its environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.

In line with the green polices initiated by the central government, the policymakers of central China's Hunan province expressed their commitment to participating - and even taking a lead role - in the national movement to establish a resource-saving and environmentally friendly society.

According to Zhou Qiang, governor of the province, the authorities are planning to build a green megalopolis, consisting of three existing cities - the provincial capital of Changsha, as well as Zhuzhou and Xiangtan, in a bid to fuel the sustainable growth of the province's economy.