Ecological and environmental concerns were given outstanding weight throughout the Party leadership's report to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Thursday.

For the first time in such a report, the importance of a resource efficient and environmentally friendly society was placed side by side with advanced production and development.

Most notably, the concept of an "ecological civilization" was presented, signaling the CPC's awareness of the importance of achieving harmonious coexistence between the environment and the economy, and society and nature.

The emphasis on building an ecological civilization is part of the effort to guide the development of the country by means of the Scientific Outlook on Development. Based on environmental carrying capacity, it focuses on establishing a sustainable industrial structure, mode of production and consumption, the conservation of resources, and the protection of ecosystems and the environment.

Dramatic reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, a significant drop in the amount of pollutants released, higher forest coverage, more stable ecosystems, and prominent improvements in human habitat are all seen as essential to building an ecological civilization.

It is important that more attention is given to the country's ecological and environmental well-being, not only because the nation's economic ambitions have resulted in serious pollution and deteriorating ecological conditions, but also because, as the report observed, environmental concerns have proved a major trigger for disputes and popular protests.

The incidents that have occurred because of local decision-makers' pursuit of wasteful and environmentally harmful growth have compromised officials' credibility and impeded efforts to transform the economic development model.

That public opposition has sunk a number of chemical projects in different places, however, reveals an apparent conflict between growth aspirations and residents' desire for a healthier habitat.

Though most, if not all, environmental protests have ended with the disputed projects being suspended, the two parties could have avoided any confrontation in the first place if there had been adequate communication between them beforehand.

Most of the disputes arose because the environmentally sensitive public distrusted the motives of the decision-makers. A communication mechanism that allows residents to air their concerns and decision-makers to respond would help build trust.

Governments at all levels need to catch up with the public's environmental awareness or the "beautiful China" the report envisions will be unachievable.

(China Daily 11/13/2012 page9)