Building an Ecological Civilization in the New Era: Cognition, Development Paradigm and Strategic Measures

Abstract

According to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s report at the 19th CPC National Congress, realizing China’s great dream in the new era demands a great struggle, a great project, and a great cause. In terms of the construction of ecological civilization, entering a new era means China must ensure the harmony between man and nature, and undertake “a great struggle with many new contemporary features”, in response to major difficulties and challenges in nature. To realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation requires a clear understanding of the “Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Basic Policy” introduced at the 19th CPC National Congress that involves such concepts as the vision for development, fundamental rules, environmental ethics, the rule of law, the model, objectives and driving forces of development, ways of life, and global governance. Based on the connotations of such concepts, the ecological civilization can systemically grasp the basic strategy for building a socialist ecological civilization with Chinese characteristics. This paper discusses the cognition of building an ecological civilization in the new era, examines the development paradigm of ecological civilization from the perspectives of ethical values, value theory and principles of growth, and specifies the strategic measures for building an ecological civilization in light of the new circumstances and demands.