Beijing: Illuminated by Bluer Skies and Greener Lands

There was a time when air pollution control was the most pressing issue of Beijing. In February 2014, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized during his inspection in Beijing to intensify efforts against air pollution, haze and smog, the key of which lies in controlling PM2.5.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Beijing has introduced 11 environmental laws and regulations, with three action plans in air, water and soil pollution control, aimed at achieving bluer skies, cleaner waters and greener lands. Following the "every microgram counts" initiative, the concentration of PM2.5 decreased from around 80 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to around 30 micrograms per cubic meter now.

Beijing also launched the Clear River Action, worked hard to keep the lands clean, and built large urban green spaces. Forests to be preserved for a millennium to come, are witnessing the green miracle of Beijing. From APEC Blue to Parade Blue then to Winter Olympics Blue, nowadays, blue sky and white clouds have become the norm. The city has achieved transitions from hazy gray to clear blue, from off-the-chart smog data to people sharing blue-sky photos on social media.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Beijing has put in unprecedented efforts to bring blue skies back, created what the UNEP hailed as the “Beijing Miracle”. Offering a “Beijing Model” of intensifying pollution prevention and control and modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. The veil of pollution above the city has been turned into breathtaking vistas. Beijing’s blue sky is felt most tangibly by the residents living underneath.

In recent years, China continues to promote ecological civilization, contributing more “China Green” to the world, and empowering the global environmental governance with Chinese wisdom. On the new journey, we must stick to Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization as our fundamental guidance, take a higher position and a broader vision, and intensify efforts to plan and promote ecological and environmental protection, deepen pollution prevention and control and contribute Beijing’s strength to the endeavor of building a beautiful China.