Innovation and leadership

At this moment in our history the rules have changed, and creative thinking is required. For China and the rest of Asia, this presents an opportunity to assert greater leadership on the world stage, whether in terms of emissions targets, technology, or regional cooperation. The future belongs to those nations who grasp the problem and seize the moment - to build a green future.

We need great leadership to make the transition to a new paradigm. We will see a shift in emphasis from central to local government, from commerce to civil society. An action plan is necessary but basic and applied science is what will drive innovative green economy development. Environmental monitoring, assessment systems, platforms and community networks are needed throughout the region. UNEP is there to support such activities.

Public awareness of green life style benefits should be linked with civil-mindedness and institutional commitment to innovation. From a policy point of view, this requires educational or information campaigns on economic growth modes, coupled with appropriate incentives and disincentives for public decision-making. Many cities in China have started investing in innovative environmental policies, including the use of renewable sources of energy. Comprehensive innovations such as the "circular economy" and low carbon society models introduced by China will light the path towards sustainable urbanization.

Dr. Jiang Nanqing is the Project Manger, UNEP China Office. She is in charge of UNEP Climate Change and Green Economy projects in China.