(Yicai Global) Dec. 12 – China's drive to transform into an eco-civilization represents a new concept in the history of mankind's development and other countries can learn from China's technologies and experience in environmental governance, said Erik Solheim, UN Under-Secretary-General at an environmental conference yesterday in Beijing.

The concept of eco-civilization involves changes in society in response to global warming that are so extensive that another kind of human civilization forms, based on ecological principles. It is the final goal of environmental reform within a society.

China is building a sustainable economy that coexists harmoniously with the environment as part of its China's transformation to an eco-civilization, Solheim said. Many countries have sought to find a balance in recent years, but for some larger countries, wealth accumulation is still founded on unsustainable growth, he added.

Other countries can learn from China's technologies and experience in environmental governance, he said, adding that China's river pollution control mechanisms have been very useful. Other countries may also learn from China's fight against air pollution, bike-sharing models, as well as subway and high-speed railway systems. Chinese firms can also invest overseas to promote the implementation of such concepts, Solheim added.

In China, eco-civilization is considered a national strategy, representing a new concept globally. It means that economic, spiritual and social development all need to follow rules on linking humans, society and nature. The core requirement of eco-civilization is to respect, adapt to and protect nature. The view of defeating nature and ignoring resource constraints is outdated and should be completely abandoned, Solheim said.

The Chinese government has taken on greater responsibilities since 2013 when it declared war on pollution, just as it did on poverty. China has not only unveiled pollution prevention and control regulations and strengthened supervision of sources of pollution but also cracked down on polluters, Solheim said.