Govt efforts to pay back in ecological development
Updated: 2013-07-16 17:40
By Qiu Bo and Zhang Yu (chinadaily.com.cn)
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The government of Southwest China's Guizhou province has been devoted to eliminating conflict between boosting industrialization and maintaining ecological civilization during past decades, while international experts applauded and insisted the effort from the government will take effect.
More than 600 scientists and officials, including many international participants, attended the Eco-Forum Guiyang (EFG), aiming at seeking a sustainable approach on synchronous development for ecological civilization and industrialization.
John Dillane, a professor from Dublin Institute of the Technology, issued an example in Ireland where industry is developing in a carbon positive way, which is of great benefit to surrounding areas.
According to Dillane, in South Dublin County, a plan has been launched to construct an eco city named Clonburris. The plan for Clonburris includes countless green innovations such as high levels of energy efficiency, mandatory renewable energy for heating and electricity and the use of recycled and sustainable building materials.
"The industry now is transforming to modern industry that can be environment positive," he said. He suggested local government officials make a more public campaign. "The government should promote related information more to attract the citizen's attention and strengthen their awareness of eco-development."
Dominic Dillane, the other doctor from the Dublin Institute of the Technology, said he is attracted by the climate of Guiyang.
"As you know, the climate of Ireland is to some extent like that of Guiyang," he said. "Guizhou is a mountainous province, but the experience flying through the mountains impressed me a lot."
Lisa Graumlich, the dean of the College of the Environment at the University of Washington, told China Daily she is very impressed by the city: "I am really excited and I approve the Chinese government is trying the combine the development in industry with environmental concerns. And I think China has the ability to lead the way in the 21st Century in this area."
She said it is very important that the government officials "not just being concerned with the environment of industrial processes but thinking about where energy and materials come from."
"This is also what the world is trying to do," she added.
"Industrialization must come the first," said Axel Pruesse, an environmental specialist from Germany.
He said he is from Neue Ruhr, an old-industrial area that has been developing industrialization for years with many coalmines and factories. "Now it's been transformed to be a very modern city," he said.
Geoffrey Boulton, the former vice-president of the University of Edinburgh showed the other prospects of view: "The environment problem is not just carbon and climate change, the land and resources have been lost and reduced a lot."
"Although there are good cities like Guiyang, which are moving in a greener direction, it is not enough and never be enough."
Boulton suggested the only way to fundamentally deal with the issue could only be through international agreements.
"We should work together and make a better and safer society for the next generation," said former Ireland Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.
He told China Daily it is our responsibility to create a better position for the next generation. He said 20 years ago, there were also some dirty industries in Ireland. "They didn't come to clean over night," he said. "It will take time, but you are doing the right job here."
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