Ecological Civilization in China: Challenges and Strategies

The construction of ecological civilization in China is not only a discourse, but also a practical strategy. At the same time, it is also a Marxist response put forward by China in the process of promoting its own economic and social practice. This response has concentrated on achieving “the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.” What exactly is ecological civilization (shengtai wenming)? This is the first theoretical issue that needs clarification. Furthermore, why is ecological civilization popular in China, but not ecological modernization theory, organic Marxism, ecological Marxism, or something else? At present, China’s ecological environment is facing enormous challenges and pressures, and it also presents corresponding opportunities and factors of change. This seems to explain why there is a wave of ecological civilization construction in China. In this context, China needs to adjust its strategy and make some changes, including focusing on the quality of urbanization and strengthening of urban and rural integration, promoting public participation in environmental governance, building a green economy and strengthening ecological legislation to truly move towards ecological civilization.