NEW YORK: Erik Solheim, the former head of the UN Environment Programme, said that by showing the world a green recovery from the pandemic is possible, China can provide global leadership in sustainable development in the post-COVID-19 world.
“If we provide renewable energy rather than coal; if we make electric vehicles and metro systems in the cities, rather than overwhelming them with cars, we provide more jobs and a better life for people, while at the same time take better care of the environment,” he said.
He also said China could bring more “green and positive development” to the rest of the world by promoting a green Belt and Road Initiative.
Mr. Erik made the remarks after Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a historic speech at the Climate Ambition Summit.
When addressing the summit via video link on Saturday, Xi called on all parties to close ranks and make new advances in climate governance that features win-win cooperation, called for raising ambition and fostering a new architecture of climate governance where every party does its part, and urged all parties to boost confidence and pursue a new approach to climate governance that highlights green recovery.
– The Daily Mail-China Daily News exchange item
