Moving to a sustainable global economy not only protects the most fragile ecosystems on the planet, it is also surprisingly affordable. China has a unique opportunity to leapfrog to green practices and lead the way towards a low-carbon economy.
Greening China's Capital and Trade Flows
In one generation, China has leapt from being a low-technology agrarian economy to a mass producer of good to developed countries. Rice farming, Dongting Lake, Hunnan Province, China.
Promoting sustainable finance
China's economic development is unparalleled in its speed and scale.
Faced with environmental challenges and restricted resource availability, China is now engaged in taking another leap to ensure its continued development, this time towards a more energy-efficient, low-carbon economy.
Banks and financial institutions have a key role to play in furthering China's development objectives and can become a vehicle for driving sustainability in the economy.
Banks and financial institutions have a key role to play in furthering China's development objectives and can become a vehicle for driving sustainability in the economy.
Investing in the future
Long-term investments and development projects have a direct impact on the environment and people's livelihoods.
That is why WWF engages with China's financial sector, as well as government regulators, to promote sustainable business practices and lending policies, both domestically and overseas, so that investments contribute to a better future for the planet.The banking and finance sector has a major influence on the state of the environment, and can help make the economy more efficient.
Responsible Trade
Mozambique and Tanzania export more than 50% of their timber to China. Chinese sawmill the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
To help fuel its rapid economic growth, China has increased its trade and investments throughout the world, particularly in commodity-rich Africa.
WWF is working to encourage responsible trade practices for Chinese businesses operating overseas. Such trade flows will be crucial in helping to build a green global economy.
By working with key sectors, such as energy production, mining, forestry, finance and trade, WWF can support China in its efforts to achieve its development goals in a sustainable way.
Through WWF's Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), for example, more than 1 million hectares of forests in China are certified. The goal of the GFTN in China is to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests in the country. It also serves as a forum for Chinese companies to demonstrate that they are producing and purchasing forest products in a responsible manner.
By working with key sectors, such as energy production, mining, forestry, finance and trade, WWF can support China in its efforts to achieve its development goals in a sustainable way.
Through WWF's Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), for example, more than 1 million hectares of forests in China are certified. The goal of the GFTN in China is to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests in the country. It also serves as a forum for Chinese companies to demonstrate that they are producing and purchasing forest products in a responsible manner.
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