Hubei city rebalances growth with green goals

Xiantao, Hubei province, plans to develop into a green city by changing the balance between economic development and ecological protection.

"We would rather slow down development than pollute the environment," said the city's Party chief, Hu Jiuming. "We would rather have less tax revenue than retain companies that harm the environment. We would rather offend irresponsible bosses than say sorry to the people."

More than two-thirds of Xiantao's 1.55 million people are farmers, and most of its 2,538 square kilometers is agricultural land. Hu said the city is at a turning point because the traditional model of development is not sustainable, consuming a disproportionate share of resources, such as water.