Eco-priority in development welcome

For policy observers in China, the report General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered to the opening session of 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Oct 18 is the "mother of all reports". In a nutshell, it is excellent news for the environment.

Given the many pressing environmental problems in the world, and the current political situation in the United States, it is encouraging that the world's largest developing country has a clear environmental policy. If these policies are implemented, we could see great improvements in the coming decade, and these efforts could give a much-needed boost to environmental ambition around the world.

The chapter on the environment, called "Speeding up Reform of the System for Developing an Ecological Civilization, and Building a Beautiful China", suggests ecological reform is a top priority of the country's leadership. "Ecological civilization" is a positive vision of humankind living in harmony with nature. It will require thorough integration of environmental considerations into the economy, politics, culture and society.