The Kubuqi Desert, once a barren land on the Ordos Plateau in north China’s Inner Mongolia, is turning into an oasis after decades of desertification control efforts. Photo: TUCHONG 

According to the United Nations’ 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report, only 17% of the global SDG targets are likely to be met by 2030, while progress on the remaining targets is limited or even regressing. In an interview with CSST, Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, noted that although multiple factors threaten the achievement of the 2030 SDG targets, China’s efforts in promoting sustainable development have set a strong example.

China’s commitment to sustainability 

Chatterjee told CSST that after starting his mission in China, his perspective on sustainable development has expanded to include a more holistic concept of societal progress that encompasses its economic, environmental, and social dimensions. 

In China, the commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in national strategies such as the “dual circulation” strategy, the Five-Year Plan, and the vision for common prosperity, he observed. “China’s commitment reflects a shift towards long-term, inclusive, and green development, aligning with the core principle of the SDGs—leaving no one behind.” 

“This has reinforced my belief that sustainability must be rooted in innovation, equity, and resilience, addressing not just the symptoms but the systemic causes of challenges like poverty and climate change,” Chatterjee said. “Sustainability is not a static concept but a dynamic journey that evolves with our understanding of the world’s challenges and opportunities,” he added.

Chatterjee noted that China’s progress towards achieving the SDGs offers both valuable insights and lessons for other countries. While the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific projected that the Asia-Pacific region may not meet the SDGs until 2062—three decades later than planned—China stands out. For example, its success in eradicating extreme poverty under SDG 1, lifting nearly 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades, is a significant achievement. 

China’s efforts in addressing climate change (SDG 13) and ensuring access to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) are also pivotal, he continued. The country has made substantial investments in renewable energy, reforestation, and innovative technologies to reduce its carbon footprint. As the world’s largest investor in clean energy, China leads global efforts in deploying solar, wind, and hydropower. These initiatives not only contribute to global energy sustainability but also provide valuable lessons for other developing nations striving to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

‘Dual carbon goal’

In September 2020, China announced its commitment at the United Nations General Assembly to achieving peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 as part of its efforts to address climate change.

In response to this commitment, Chatterjee explained that “China’s ‘dual carbon goal’ marked a significant milestone in global climate diplomacy.” For the first time, China clearly stated its intentions and timeline for reaching carbon neutrality, a move that demonstrates its seriousness about contributing to the Paris Agreement. Since then, China has made substantial investments in renewable energy, expanding solar and wind capacity, promoting electric vehicles, and overhauling its energy framework. These actions not only advance China’s progress towards meeting its own Paris Agreement goals but also contribute to global progress on the SDGs, Chatterjee said. 

In Chatterjee’s opinion, this goal serves as an inspiration for developing countries. By setting ambitious targets and supporting them with substantial investments in renewable energy and technological innovation, China demonstrates how large-scale, transformative action can be achieved even in a rapidly developing economy. 

However, the challenge is immense and the urgency to meet these climate targets only grows, he warned. “Incremental changes will not suffice; we must identify and scale up transformative solutions. This requires leveraging China’s innovation and technological prowess and fostering global cooperation to address the interconnected issues of climate change, resource security, and ecological balance.” 

“While China’s commitment is vital, the scale of our collective actions must match the enormity of the challenge,” Chatterjee asserted. 

Balancing economic, climate goals

While some observers argue that China faces significant challenges in balancing economic growth with achieving its carbon neutrality goals, Chatterjee affirmed that this phenomenon is not unique to China. “Every country will have to navigate the complex task of balancing economic priorities with climate goals. For China, a large and rapidly developing nation, achieving this balance requires a strategic approach. However, I believe China is well-positioned to navigate these challenges effectively.” 

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy may be complex, but it opens tremendous opportunities for innovation and economic growth, he emphasized. China’s commitment has already catalyzed advancements in green technology, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. 

The International Energy Agency estimated that the shift to cleaner energy sources will create 3.6 million new jobs in China’s energy sector. Chatterjee predicted that investments in green technologies like electric vehicles and energy efficiency are expected to further fuel economic growth. 

China is also integrating sustainability into its broader development agenda, Chatterjee noted. “A striking example is the transformation of the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, which I had the opportunity to witness firsthand. Once barren, this area now generates 3.2 gigawatts of renewable energy, supports agriculture and livestock, and has significantly improved local livelihoods.” 

He said that projects like this demonstrate how China is addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth and stability. While the transition will undoubtedly require adaptation in some industries, the long-term benefits of a sustainable economy—reduced climate risks, enhanced energy security, and strengthened global competitiveness—far outweigh the short-term challenges. 

China’s dual focus on economic growth and sustainability positions it as a leader in the global green economy, crucial for its future prosperity and the world’s collective efforts to combat climate change, Chatterjee concluded.

Edited by CHEN MIRONG