by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- China can play, and is playing a crucial role in advancing global ecological civilization, Philip Clayton, president of the U.S. Institute for Ecological Civilization, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Clayton commended China's new strides in ecological civilization, particularly noting a report released by the Xinhua Institute in February titled "Promoting the Development and Progress of Human Civilization through Exchange and Mutual Learning."
Clayton stressed the urgency of global cooperation in addressing climate change, which he considers humanity's first truly global crisis. "In a global crisis, we must all work together," he said.
He noted that developing nations, rich in natural resources like the Amazon region, must preserve vital ecosystems, with the support of wealthier countries. Technologically advanced nations, on the other hand, must develop and share green technologies swiftly with developing regions to combat the ecological crisis.
"Global markets provide the fastest and most efficient way to spread advanced technologies, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and storage batteries," Clayton noted. "But the rapid distribution of these green technologies is only possible if we maintain free trade between nations."
Clayton criticized the U.S. imposition of high tariffs and trade barriers, arguing that the climate crisis can only be addressed by ensuring that sustainable technologies reach as many people as possible in the shortest time.
"Markets are the means to distribute sustainable technologies globally, and Chinese initiatives are supporting this goal," he said.
Clayton also highlighted China's Belt and Road Initiative, which he sees as a powerful tool helping developing countries adopt green technologies quickly.
He explained, "If a country has effective and low-cost green technologies, is committed to a global ecological civilization, practices free trade, and is willing to share its green technologies, then it can play a key role in shaping a postmodern, ecological global civilization. China can play, and is playing this crucial role."
Reflecting on his recent trip to China, Clayton recalled attending an international symposium on China's eco-civilization progress. Over 40 experts from China and abroad discussed China's unique ecological transformation, including topics such as eco-socialism, and green technology.
Clayton expressed his enthusiasm for visiting China's rural areas, where innovative reform efforts are underway. He is particularly intrigued by the Chinese proposal to build or modify small cities of around 100,000 people to serve as hubs for surrounding villages.
"The goal is to preserve small farms and village life through this 'hub and spoke' model," he explained. "By providing electric rail connections between villages and nearby cities, farmers and their families, especially youth, will have better access to stores, services, and entertainment."
Clayton expected China to play a leading role in addressing climate change and promoting green development worldwide. ■