Why China needs to keep its economic recovery green and sustainable

It is not easy to advance economic growth while protecting the environment but if China wavers in its climate goals, the long-term costs for it – and the world – would be overwhelming

By Deborah Lehr as featured on South China Morning Post

China’s post Covid-19 economic relief programme understandably makes job creation and technological development the top priorities. The centrepiece of the effort is the “2 New + 1 Key” initiative, which promotes investment in digital and urban infrastructure as well as the implementation of 165 national-level major projects.

However, unlike last year when environmental protection was deemed a top priority, this year, it has taken a back seat. Instead, a more traditional stimulus programme involving at least US$2 trillion of mass construction will lead the recovery.