Value of green development has been recognized

Pollution is a scourge in China, the debilitating consequences of unbridled industrial growth. But how can China halt and reverse such devastation without undermining economic growth? For China to achieve its goal of becoming a "moderately prosperous society," this question must be answered.

One of the pioneers in seeking answers to this question has been the coastal province of Zhejiang in East China, where environmental protection had been sacrificed on the altar of economic growth. To begin its environmental healing, the Zhejiang government shut down thousands of polluting workshops and restricted heavy industries such as mining and papermaking. What happened to the economy as a result?

To find out, I went to Zhejiang, where I discovered that Anji county in Zhejiang's mountains has been transforming itself from a polluted mining area into a "green center" of ecology-friendly agriculture, industry and tourism.