Shanghai is destined to play a key role in spearheading financial reform. But as the most cosmopolitan city on the mainland, it can do much more than that.

People in many other cities expect it to set an example in addressing one of the most pressing issues they are facing, air pollution.

Shanghai has made the successful transformation from a sprawling industrial heartland into a services center. In the process, the municipal government has created an environment where people can enjoy greenery, open spaces, clean streets and fresh air. That was, at least, the impression I got when I was living and working in Shanghai.