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High-quality development is the primary task of building a modern socialist country in all respects, and promoting green and low-carbon economic and social development is a key component of achieving high-quality development.

Coordinated efforts to reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution, expand green areas, and achieve growth represent both a summary and refinement of practical experience and a precise grasp of the new landscape of ecological civilization development. This is both a major strategic deployment and a crucial principle, and a crucial component of China's path, governance, and principles for ecological civilization development in the new era. It charts the course and provides guidance for comprehensively advancing the construction of a beautiful China and accelerating the modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature on the new journey.

"Lucid waters and lush mountains, like mountains of gold and silver, embody the relationship between ecological and environmental protection and economic development. The two are not in a 'you-or-I' relationship, or 'I-or-You' relationship, but rather mutually support and complement each other." Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu stated in an appearance on the People's Daily "High-Quality Development Stories" column that on this new journey, we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, uphold a systematic approach, strengthen overall planning and coordination, address key issues, and ensure effective implementation, so as to collaboratively promote high-quality economic development and high-level ecological and environmental protection.

--Historic achievements have been made in improving ecological and environmental quality. "Today's steel mills, especially those that have undergone ultra-low emission transformation, are no longer what they used to be." Huang Runqiu pointed out that the battle against pollution has been deepened, and the environmental governance has achieved remarkable results. The blue sky, white clouds, clear water and green banks around the people have increased significantly.

Entering the Shougang Qiangang plant, one is greeted by clean roads, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky. Numerous environmental monitoring equipment stands guard, creating a sense of being transported to a modern ecological park.

Driven by innovation, blast furnaces can also forge "green momentum." Shougang Group's Qian'an Iron and Steel Company became the first steel company in China to pass ultra-low emission assessments and monitoring, and the first among its global peers to achieve ultra-low emissions throughout its entire process. Its excellent green performance has made Qian'an Iron and Steel a high-quality supplier to several renowned automakers.

—The level of modern ecological and environmental governance continues to improve.

"Over the years, we have strengthened the inspection and rectification of sewage outlets into rivers, treated black and odorous water bodies, promoted the development of beautiful rivers and lakes, and urged local governments to address shortcomings in ecological and environmental infrastructure, resulting in a steady improvement in the quality of the water environment," said Huang Runqiu.

The Taipu River, one of the largest artificial waterways in the Taihu Lake Basin, connects China's economically vibrant Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. East of Suzhou's Wujiang District, three villages—Fenhuwan Village, Xinchi Village, and Hubin Village—are located in these three provinces and municipalities.

In 2018, the integration of the Yangtze River Delta was elevated to a national strategy. Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai jointly coordinated efforts to manage the Taipu River, launching the "Joint River Chief System." Shen Xiaohua, Party Secretary of Fenhuwan Village in Jiangsu, Shen Jianchun, Party Secretary of Hubin Village in Zhejiang, and Chi Jianfang, Party Secretary of Xinchi Village in Shanghai, became "interprovincial partners," forming a "Party-building ecosystem."

Today, the Taipu River boasts clear waters and lush banks. Over 200 companies have established businesses in the park, allowing villagers to "enjoy greenery when they step out, see the river when they open their windows, and find jobs right next to their homes." The Taipu River has truly become a "river of happiness" for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.

—The value of the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" continues to be demonstrated. "China's traditional culture has accumulated rich wisdom in protecting and utilizing biodiversity." Huang Runqiu said that high-quality development is people-centered development, which promotes the all-round development of people and the all-round progress of society; at the same time, it is also development that respects, adapts to and protects nature, and promotes biodiversity protection and the virtuous cycle of ecosystems.

In the Hoh Xil region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, known as a "forbidden zone for life," a group of people quietly protect this sacred land and its most agile spirit: the Tibetan antelope.

Tsewen Dorje, a staff member at the Sonam Dargye Nature Reserve, is one of them. He is most proud of the changes in the Tibetan antelope population. With the support of all of society, year after year, they endure the elements, surveying the wilderness with their feet, protecting life with their lives, and bringing this beautiful species back to life.

—The green transformation of economic and social development has achieved remarkable results.

Huang Runqiu believes that the coordinated promotion of carbon reduction, pollution reduction, green expansion, and growth is not only necessary for China's high-quality economic development, but also requires in-depth and practical environmental governance, and fundamentally changing the quality of the ecological environment at its source.

On the grasslands of Ejin Horo Banner, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, a landscape of energy transformation unfolds: rows of photovoltaic panels gleam in the sunlight, while white wind turbines whirl leisurely in the distance.

Once renowned for its "cashmere, coal, kaolin, and natural gas" (cashmere, coal, kaolin, and natural gas), Ordos is now striving to become a "green, zero-carbon new city."

Ecological civilization is crucial to humanity's future, and building a green home is a shared dream. Protecting the ecological environment and addressing climate change requires concerted efforts from all countries; no country can remain isolated or insulated.

Huang Runqiu pointed out that collaboratively promoting carbon reduction, pollution reduction, green expansion, and growth is not only a national strategy but also a personal mission. From factories to farmland, from cities to villages, from governments to individuals, only through concerted efforts and sustained effort can we achieve bluer skies, greener land, cleaner waters, and more sustainable development.

As the wheel of development rolls forward, how can we ensure the earth's vitality remains? The answer lies in the echo of green waters and green mountains, and in the grand journey of building ecological civilization.