Observations and Memories from CCICED Members and Others

Abstract

Ideally, the supply side of CCICED shapes and carries out research initiatives and creates policy recommendations, while the demand side focuses on how to implement the advice received and on defining future needs and priorities.

Ideally, the supply side of CCICED shapes and carries out research initiatives and creates policy recommendations, while the demand side focuses on how to implement the advice received and on defining future needs and priorities. In addition, there are other interests at play, especially on the part of donors, sectors, and special interest groups within and outside of China. Many opinions, therefore, might be expected about CCICED’s values and overall worth. As indicated in the preceding chapters, while there is an ongoing expectation of continuing improvement in quality of insights, usefulness of recommendations, and ability to anticipate future situations, there is considerable satisfaction in what has been accomplished.

There are also matters related to administrative quality, coordination needs, and how to address inevitable issues of varying perspectives related to research disciplines, limited time available for the work, etc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been the concern of limited face-to-face meetings and disruptive schedules for virtual e-meetings. Remarkably, the COVID-19 problems have not overwhelmed CCICED’s capacity to turn out good recommendations and high-quality scientific reports.

To carry out a detailed opinion survey and analysis involving the full range of people who have been involved with CCICED over a 30-year period is a major task. Indeed, it would be an effort beyond what is expected of this report. Instead, we have undertaken a more modest approach of drawing on opinions expressed in existing published materials, primarily from sources familiar with CCICED. As well, we include opinions from a very limited number of interviews with people actively engaged in CCICED roles. A short questionnaire (see Box 8.1) was used on an individual basis. As well, other observations were gleaned from published statements and speeches. For example, Huguette Labelle, former CCICED International Executive Vice Chairperson who as Co-chair of the 2006 Special Task Force on Review and Prospects, noted: “The CCICED Task Force on Forests and Grasslands provided an early assessment of performance that was an outstanding example of analysis. The work of this task force was listened to and acted on by the Government of China.”

It would be valuable to undertake a more extensive and rigorous opinion survey on various aspects of CCICED activities. Perhaps at some point during the coming Phase VII such an activity could be added, with the intent of using such information for improvements that might be valuable for the critical period of 2030–2035.

FormalPara Box 8.1. Questions and Perceptions Regarding CCICED and Its Activities

Early and ongoing viability of CCICED

• What makes CCICED unique in terms of its mandate, operations, long-term success or in other ways?

• What were the crucial early steps and inputs that helped CCICED gain strength and longer-term viability?

• Why has CCICED been able to attract high-quality members and researchers over such a long time frame?

Issues

• Were there key issues and approaches beyond those given high priority for CCICED Phase I or other Phases that you feel might have been given more attention?

• What became the most pressing E&D concerns for China in each of the three decades of CCICED’s existence, and how successfully were they dealt with in CCICED recommendations? How well was CCICED able to draw upon its own previous efforts as time progressed?

• What do you think are the top concerns for future activities, especially during the next 5 years (Phase VII) and perhaps to 2030?

Time Frame for Policy Shifts

• Roughly what time frame was needed generally for CCICED recommendations to become actionable policies and outcomes? Please provide actual examples if possible.

• What might have been done differently to improve the effectiveness of CCICED’s policy advice and uptake of the advice, timeliness of problem identification, operational strategy, and work implementation/completion?

• How might CCICED be improved to deal with converging issues, including those related to the current “three environmental emergencies” (climate change, biodiversity, and ecology and pollution) in addition to other big issues such as green COVID-19 recovery, green BRI, and other partnerships, and ongoing concerns related to UN 2030 SDGs?

Value to China and the World

• How does one properly assess the value of policy advice when its full impact may not be seen sometimes for a decade or more?

• Why does CCICED remain of high interest to senior leaders when they may get advice from many more sources compared to CCICED’s first several phases?

• Is the value of CCICED to China and to the international community likely to increase or decline during the coming 5–10 years? How can its future value be maximized?

• Should CCICED continue indefinitely, well into the future, as suggested in one of our meetings with Premier Wen? He said this due to the complexity of E&D problems and their implications for all of us—China and the World.

• What might be the best roles, institutional arrangements, and funding sources for CCICED in the future (Phase VII and beyond)?

• Why is China the only country to successfully implement a mechanism such as CCICED for ongoing policy inputs? Might other countries benefit?

• How can CCICED’s interest in green development and ecological civilization be phrased in terms helpful to the international community and in global green governance?

Your Personal Memories

• What are your most memorable experiences and successes regarding CCICED?

• Any additional points you may wish to contribute?

Senior Chinese Leaders

Based on comments by senior leaders during CCICED events, some senior leaders views are provided below.

Han Zheng, Executive Vice Premier of China and Chair of CCICED in 2019 CCICED AGM Speech¹:

The Chinese government fully affirms the tremendous efforts made by the CCICED to promote China's sustainable development…and it will support the CCICED to continue to play an important role. I hope that members of the CCICED and experts will put forward more forward-looking and operational policies in China's ecological environment protection and green low-carbon cycle development.

At the CCICED AGM Meeting in September 2021, Han Zheng noted that:

I hope the council members and experts continue to offer opinions and recommendations and make new, even greater contributions to promote the comprehensive green transition in China's economic and social development, as well as the construction of a clean and beautiful world,

Premier Wen Jiabao² said during his meeting with CCICED members in 2010:

The reason the China Council has lasted is because of the sincerity and good cooperation from both sides. For so many years, international experts and friends have sacrificed their free time to study China’s problems and put forth recommendations. This has been of great help to China. From a broader perspective, I get the sense this is also your own commitment to Mother Earth, the only home we have.

In 2011 Premier Wen further suggested that:

On the question of how long this Council will exist, I can tell you that we will continue until the international community is satisfied with China’s efforts towards environmental protection. This is not an easy task: it will require the efforts of many generations, perhaps dozens.

As Vice Premier and CCICED Chair, Mr. Li Keqiang at the 2009 AGM indicated that:

For 18 years, CCICED has witnessed the development of environmental protection in China… many study findings and policy recommendations have been taken up by the Government of China.

At the AGM in November 2003, Vice Premier and CCICED Chair Mr. Zeng Peiyan provided considerable guidance on what he expected in our work.³ It was at an important time for the “Building of a Well-Off Society” and for “Adopting a Sustainable Industrialization Mode.” He proposed three key points: (1) policies integrated to promote coordinated development of humans and nature, (2) promotion of international cooperation to protect the global environment, and (3) ensure that the role of CCICED should be fully utilized. Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan noted that:

“CCICED has done a great deal of effective work during the past 10 years or so, and played an important role in supporting China’s sustainable development.” However, he also called for internal improvements including “the quality of the Council Meeting” with better efforts and capacity of the Secretariat; the Council’s policy advisory role should be strengthened, with attention to succinctness and practicability of recommendations; and more attention given to key issues on integration of E&D such as environmental protection financing mechanisms, international trade and environment, and urbanization and environment. Zeng Peiyan also indicated that “The China Council has attracted an outstanding body of Chinese and international experts…and have outstanding research ability… [with reports that are of] important and practical significance to us.”

This type of blunt exchange has often taken place in meetings with senior leaders and others. It is a sign of trust that they take place. And they are helpful to CCICED members and experts who also seek continuous improvement and clarity about what is important on the demand side. At the 2004 AGM, the Vice Premier, Zeng Peiyan, noted that “all experts are welcome to voice your views freely and frankly.” He suggested a need to provide China with recommendations on newly emerging issues.

Ministers and Other Administrators

Minister Zhou Shengxian,⁴ at the 20th-anniversary celebration of CCICED in 2011, noted that there have been “two surging 20 years” for global E&D—first, the period of 1972 to 1992, and the second from then until 2012, the time of Rio+20. China’s First National Conference on Environmental Protection in August 1973 took place only a year after the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. The National Conference produced the “30 Words” prelude that became the start for many E&D actions in China onward into later decades.

The second “surging 20 years” produced CCICED and other initiatives where “China once again joined with the world environment and development tide.” Minister Zhou indicated that:

CCICED has developed a unique brand attracting high attention at home and abroad…Maintaining vigor and vitality, the direct dialogue mechanism of CCICED is long in history, high in level and big in influence and attracts high attention at home and abroad, while receiving good feedback…CCICED has turned into a platform where China has turned into a platform where China and the international community interact and learn from each other…a bridge for international cooperation.

In his speech to the 20th-anniversary session, Minister Zhou pointed out several examples of significant CCICED influence on governmental decisions: the need for an eco-compensation mechanism and a national strategy for ecological conservation and development; encouragement of clean production; developing national industrial, financial, taxation and monetary policies to facilitate Circular Economy; and the suggestion arising from the Task Force on Trade and Environment “for China’s automobile industry to adopt Euro II–IV emission standards or their equivalent.”

Over the years at CCICED AGMs, there have been many reflections about CCICED’s value to both China and the world. Comments include constructive criticism, exhortative statements to “work even harder in the future,” suggestions on how to make policy recommendations more practical, and identification of new topics for study, etc. More often, on the part of CCICED members, there is a sense of accomplishment expressed, of innovative pathways and roadmaps identified, and of the capacity to genuinely come to a mutual agreement on difficult issues. In every case, there is interplay among research team members, Council Members, and many others, including donors. For example, at the CCICED Bureau meeting held just prior to the 2018 AGM, the two CCICED Executive Vice Chairpersons (at that time) made the following observations⁵:

MEE Minister Li Ganjie noted that:

The Council has made positive progress this year…Its policy recommendations in the areas ranging from global climate change to marine environment protection, and from biodiversity protection to gender equality, have spearheaded global environmental governance, owing largely to the Bureau’s contributions. He hoped that the Council can play a better role as a Policy Express and contribute more to the development of the ecological civilization in China and in the world as a whole.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Canada, Catherine McKenna held that:

…the work of the Chinese and international Council members has been diversified, inclusive, and sharing-based, and that the Council should enable its policy research to be more strategic and prospective based on China’s development experience, extend its international influence, and better serve the global sustainable development.

Mr. Achim Steiner has been a long-time member and supporter of CCICED. He has served with the UN as UNEP Executive Director and currently as the UNDP Administrator—both organizations that have had long-standing CCICED cooperation. Concerning CCICED findings and policy assessment, Mr. Steiner said at the 2007 AGM: “I believe that China is now in the forefront of helping the world to interpret the environment in the context of development—more as a driver for development.”

At the 2013 CCICED AGM, he commented⁶:

Since my service as a Vice Chairperson of CCICED, I have witnessed its process of growing into a platform for experts from the world to sit down and carry out researches on emerging environmental issues as well as countermeasures. China has invested continuous efforts in coping with environmental issues and I am proud to be part of it…This meeting is held at a critical time when China is at the crossroad of green transition and ecological civilization construction. Through my meeting with Premier Li Keqiang, I learnt China’s strong political will to make a difference in environmental management.

Mr. Steiner also indicated that:

UNEP and the CCICED signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance and consolidate cooperation in the field of environment and development…Overarching cooperation areas of this MoU include the sharing of CCICED’s experiences on green development, performance evaluation of CCICED policy research, capacity building programs and technical support from UNEP among other areas of collaboration.

Stephen Heintz, President and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and CCICED member, at the 2021 CCICED AGM indicated⁷:

Chinese leadership is committed to building an ecological civilization and it is clear China has reliable allies in the diverse international leaders and organizations represented at this annual general meeting. I think CCICED can be seen as a model of global trust-building, cooperation and effective partnership…This model will help China reach its ambitious goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and going carbon neutral. They are helping the world community to a future of net zero emissions.

At the same meeting, Kristin Halvorsen, former Minister of Finance and of Education in Norway, Director of the CICERO Center for International Climate Research, and currently a CCICED vice-chairwoman, said she found China a completely different country compared with 1985 when she first visited:

I’m also very impressed by all [China’s] achievements during the last decades, especially your fight against poverty. To go into a broad range of challenges, climate change, threats against biodiversity and the need for just transition to the sustainable economy. I’m impressed by the expertise that CCICED can mobilize to contribute to solve these tasks…I also appreciate how the experts try to focus on solutions.

Thoughts from a CCICED Chief Advisor, Academician Shen Guofang

CCICED has been fortunate to have individuals of broad experience and great wisdom available to serve in the role of Chinese CCICED Chief Advisor. Initially referred to as Lead Experts, and then Chief Advisor, the three individuals involved have made essential contributions to the quality and relevance of CCICED’s scientific and policy initiatives, in addition to providing consultative services on many other aspects of the Council’s efforts. The first person to be appointed was Academician Sun Honglie, Former Vice President of the Chinese Academy Sciences, and one of China’s most prominent ecological and geographic figures. The second, Academician Shen Guofang, Chinese Chief Advisor between 2005 and 2016, is a forest scientist and university president, who was Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The third, Mr. Liu Shijin, has been Chief Advisor since 2017. He is a leading economist with extensive experience in transformative economic change and Vice-Chairman of the China Development Research Foundation and former Deputy Director of the Development Research Centre of the State Council. We asked Mr. Shen Guofang to provide some insights (see Box 8.2a) arising from his long-term service with CCICED (at the start of this chapter, see Madame Huguette Labelle’s comments on one of Professor Shen’s earlier CCICED task force leadership contributions on Forests and Grasslands).

Box 8.2. Perspectives on CCICED from Chinese Chief Advisor (2004–2017) Mr. Shen Guofang

What makes CCICED unique? To begin with, it is a big platform, because China, the main target of the platform, is a large and fast-growing country. CCICED deals with nearly all issues relating to environment and development in the world and engages with many countries and international organizations. For this reason, CCICED can embody international views and experiences in a wide range of fields. In addition, it is very effective and offers targeted and productive policy recommendations for two subjective and objective reasons. Subjectively, the Chinese government earnestly expects to hear recommendations conducive to China’s environment and development. It also welcomes diverse opinions with an open mind, and is capable of converting reasonable opinions into science-based action. Objectively, by bringing top-notch Chinese and foreign experts together to explore common issues, the CCICED has become a pioneer of ideas and technology. Lastly, this platform enshrines the spirit of friendly cooperation. All parties involved in the work of the CCICED aspire to improve the ecological environment and facilitate social progress. Steering clear of potential differences in political views, they work together to advance the overall interests of the world’s environment and development, and thereby set a remarkable example for international cooperation.

Over the past thirty years, the CCICED has made exceptional contributions to China’s undertaking of environment and development. If you asked me to evaluate its contributions, I would compare the achievements secured by China in the field since the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy with the platform’s joint research results and policy recommendations over the years. The CCICED was established in 1992, at a time when the Chinese government had just kicked off reform and opening-up and was trying to rebuild the country from scratch. At that time, the general understanding of environment and development was shallow, or they couldn’t see the wood for the trees, regardless of whether they were government workers or the general public.

Over the past three decades, China has secured remarkable progress in this field and has even become a world leader in ecological protection and restoration, development of renewable energy, and protection of water and the atmospheric environment. The CCICED plays a crucial role in this process. Its contribution is not limited to the establishment and improvement of environmental protection agencies, or the issuance and implementation of environmental protection policies. Even more importantly, it has helped form and deepen the idea of environment and development through its influence in academia and public opinion. The endeavours of the CCICED and those of Chinese experts are sometimes mutually reinforcing and interdependent on each other. In this way the CCICED has subtly influenced the formation of several major policies in China. In fact, the CCICED’s influence can be felt all the way from China’s adoption and promotion of an international vision of sustainability, to coming up with its own concept of “building a resource-conserving, environment-friendly society” and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and to advocating for a more comprehensive ecological civilization. China’s advanced ideas have, in turn, exerted positive influences on international ideas of environment and development.

Through three decades of hard work, the CCICED has developed into a world-renowned platform for environment and development, while China has grown into an experienced and capable major power in this regard. The CCICED will press ahead with its undertaking and continue to carry out international cooperation research and provide policy recommendations. However, it must continue to expand its expertise and engage more in forward-looking research. The CCICED could join hands with developed countries to explore some common, emerging issues relating to environment and development. It could also cooperate with those emerging economies and developing countries, especially countries in the Belt and Road Initiative, to explore their environment and development challenges and provide recommendations. China, and CCICED, could play the role of an international think tank, importing as well as exporting knowledge. It won’t be easy to pull it off, but efforts should be made to achieve this goal step by step. I believe the CCICED will make a big difference in the future.

Academician Shen Guofang

Former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering

Observations on CCICED from Several Long-Serving Colleagues

Several individuals have responded to our requests for their observations about CCICED. Each person has more than a decade’s experience with CCICED activities, often in several roles. We anticipate more such contributions. What is of particular interest is the impact of CCICED on the development of new skills and approaches on their own part. And, as Mr. Xue Lan points out, now it is possible to recruit young scholars into the work of CCICED and, more generally, into policy innovations linked to local needs. Each of the observers believes that CCICED still has untapped potential and is well placed to continue serving important needs for China. In addition, emphasis is placed on innovation as a key attribute that must not be lost.

Box 8.3 (a–f). Perspectives of Individual CCICED Colleagues

Box 8.3a. “Green Transformative Change” Mr. Ren Yong

My career on environmental protection has been inextricably bound with CCICED and with accumulated and profound feelings. They link to my own professional growth, and to what I hope are substantive contributions. My first CCICED participation was in the research group on Resource Accounting and Pricing in CCICED Phases I and II. The outcome was experience gained on ecological compensation, market mechanisms, circular economy and other economy and environment relationships. Next came a role as Director, and Assistant Director General working with the CCICED Chinese Chief Advisor and his Expert Support Team. This involved a range of responsibilities including suggesting annual themes and research topics, supervision of draft annual policy recommendations, and oversight of research quality from 2007 until 2017. The fourth started in 2018, when I was responsible for SPSs on green transformation and sustainable social governance.

CCICED has left indelible impressions and lifelong benefits that I am grateful for. Unforgettable is the wisdom, dedication and sincerity of CCICED members and those engaged in research; and the modesty, openness and leadership of its leaders. Also, the trust placed on us by key members of the Secretariat, including individuals such as Mr. Guo Jing, who over a long period of involvement with CCICED, has encouraged innovative thinking and suggestions on matters such as green transformation, greening of BRI and other matters. Also, the role of key officials outside of MEP who can help in the translation of our efforts to the broader audiences on policy formulation within government. An example, to whom I am indebted for his advice, is Mr. Han Wenxiu, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Effective Affairs who is a CCICED member and head of our Sustainable Production and Consumption Research Group.

Mr. Ren Yong, Director General of MEE Environmental Development Centre,

CCICED Assistant Director General,

Director of Expert Support Team for Chief Advisors, and

Research Team Leader

Box 8.3b. “Growing Up Together” Mr. Wang Yi

As a young scientist in 1992 I was a member of the CCICED Working Group on Scientific Research and Technology Development and Training, later divided into two groups, on sustainable agriculture and on cleaner production. I was involved in other groups, especially with the Lead Expert’s team that eventually became the support for the Chief Advisors. In CCICED Phase V, I participated in two research teams. Therefore, I can say that CCICED and I grew up together, especially in blending the efforts of both international and Chinese specialists on environment and developed. I made many linkages that were helpful with my Academy of Sciences work on sustainable development. Finally, through participation with CCICED, it has opened opportunities to see different perspectives on issues rather than only the ideas of a limited number of government agencies such as MEE. This is especially valuable for my service as a member of the NPCC.

Both CCICED and I have learned a lot over these three decades, and, as a consequence, are likely more valuable to society now. For example, the combination of Chinese and international elements of problems places CCICED on the cutting edge of environment and development. This contributes a lot to the growth of Chinese scientists, and I daresay also benefits international experts and organizations. To sit through a CCICED AGM and also to participate in the ‘backstage’ aspects definitely is valuable. It is quite different than being involved in international negotiations on the more rigid platforms of the UN or other bodies. Yet CCICED is also a direct channel to national leaders. CCICED influences widely. It is thanks to its open mechanism and forward-looking topics that CCICED continues to attract many excellent Chinese and international experts.

In the future CCICED could play a larger role in the new approaches to environment and development, perhaps even in some issues related to COVID-19 or other emerging global socio-ecological problems. Also, CCICED could place more emphasis on studying problems elsewhere such as in Europe and North America, and developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia. We need to understand where the great opportunities for environment and development progress can be found, and the best roles for CCICED in addressing them. Hopefully our “growing up together” can continue well into the future!

Mr. Wang Yi, Vice President Institutes of Science and Development,

Chinese Academy of Sciences, and

Member of the Standing Committee,

National People’s Congress of China (NPCC)

Box 8.3c. “Sustainable Ocean Use” Academician Su Jilan

First and foremost, I am an ocean scientist. I have had the good fortune to hold interesting research positions within China, and also to contribute to global ocean studies and administration. I became involved in CCICED when I co-chaired along with Mr. Peter Harrison, former Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a Task Force on Sustainable Use of China’s Ocean and Coast (2009–2010). Prior to that time CCICED had not undertaken any studies specific to oceans.

Following this work, I became a CCICED member, and from 2017 to 2021 have co-chaired with Mr. Jan-Gunnar Winther of Norway a 6-part CCICED examination of Global Ocean Governance and Ecological Civilization: Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy for China. This SPS has now completed its work. However, it has been suggested that there is much more work remains to be done on oceans and coast, not only regarding policies linking rivers and the sea, but also such as the relationship of the oceans to climate change policies, low carbon economy and circular economy. One might say that the key to success in CCICED lies in spotting appropriate research topics. It took a long time for this to happen for oceans, but now interest levels are high, and there have been very positive uptakes arising from our recommendations. Notably, severe restrictions on further destruction of coastal wetlands, domestic fishing fleet reductions and closures, efforts underway to reduce plastic wastes entering the sea from rivers, and ecological redlining in China’s coastal and offshore areas.

There are some valuable lessons from which others might learn. CCICED’s unique mechanism for its policy recommendations to be directly submitted to central government authorities at senior levels is valuable. Many other institutions have a difficult time to do so. By keeping an open mind about the breadth of work undertaken and the necessary scope of recommendations suited to the root causes of problems is another advantage of CCICED. It can assess problems from a number of perspectives and with views come from a range of stakeholders. This is very helpful when considering complex situations such as land-based sources of marine pollution, and incentive systems for marine components of ecological civilization.

So far, CCICED has not placed sufficient emphasis on how to bring its marine research policy findings into the public domain. We know the general public is interested in the ocean’s role and how to protect the sea’s environmental quality. Also, how the public can participate in improving ocean sustainability. It is essential to create these connections via examples that use understandable language and imagery that convey important messages about how the sea and its ecological health affects all people in China and elsewhere. There is a certain level of urgency in doing so, given that the ocean is already seen to be in a state of environmental crisis globally, with many restorative and preventive actions needed. Working with BRI.

partners interested in ocean matters can be a significant next step in addition to addressing China’s domestic ocean sustainability.

Mr. Su Jilan, Honorary President of the Second Institute of Oceanography, SOA,

CAS Academician

Box 8.3d. “Four Important Characteristics of CCICED” Madame Sarah Liao

How privileged I feel to have been a CCICED member from 2008 to 2018, a time when the flood gates of access to information and communication, technological innovation, funding availability, and energy options opened in China. The 30 years of CCICED’s existence parallels the evolution of sustainable development thinking in the world. Globalization has removed many barriers and created opportunities for those with a vision for a better future. China has seen its share of growing pains but has left little doubt about its commitment to sustainable development. Placing the environment parallel to development in the Council’s title was no accident. And I salute that! Four characteristics have been especially important for the Council’s unprecedented success.

• 1. Building trust among members, CCICED researchers, and policy-makers

Carrying out research for a CCICED policy topic, as I did with colleagues from Hong Kong University, involved PRC government officials such as MEP, NDRC, universities, Chinese research units, overseas think tanks, and CCICED members. It was a very satisfying and encouraging experience to be trusted with access to so much information and varied analytical capacity. A number of those involved were younger-generation researchers. All shared the desire to see China’s environment be protected and its people enjoying a better quality of life. Ultimately, we want to see China’s sustainable development become a long-term asset in the best interests of both the country and the entire world. That thinking helps to build consensus in the teamwork and recommendations. I remember the CCICED AGM main Council meeting as packed with presentations, but there were always seasoned scholars who knew the appropriate time to ask critical questions.

• 2. Empowerment of CCICED

A look at the CCICED leadership explains why it is so effective. It is chaired by the Executive Vice Chairman of the State Council. We can rest assured that the Chairman would not recommend the proposals and recommendations submitted by CCICED unless he is satisfied that the conclusions are supported by robust research consisting of scientifically tested and verified data. After all, so far, the chance of a CCICED chairman later becoming the country’s Premier has been high! The appointment of very high-level heavyweights to head CCICED speaks clearly about its perceived worth.

• 3. Institution strengthening and capacity building

It is not an exaggeration to say that many leaders in every trade, institution, or government department still have a tendency to treat environmental needs as an afterthought or an add-on. But CCICED explicitly gives the environment equal priority in its recommendations. For the PRC Government to implement what they believe in requires structural and institutional shifts, as well as more well-trained people to do the actual work. The benefits are obvious for the PRC and globally. CCICED is exemplary in its ability to propose red tape removal while still building momentum for sustainability.

• 4. Telling it like it is: Nothing is better than genuine facts

CCICED has laid down very clear directives regarding its requirements and standards. It does not mince words but makes it loud and clear that it wants all recommendations to be fact based and supported by true data and testing. Discussions can then move toward identifying solutions to improve the conditions of the environment and/or the economy.

Looking Ahead

There will always be difficult common problems to deal with at any time. The challenge is to catch and ameliorate them before they become untenable. I would be keen to see a review of the outcome of the projects and advice conducted under the purview of CCICED—and the final destiny and impacts of their recommendations. I would love to see the next stage of CCICED include suggestions for successful models for Chinese partnerships, such as with countries along the BRI. All the best for the next 30 years!

Madame Sarah Liao

Former Member of CCICED and SPS Team Leader

Former Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Hong Kong

Environmental Advisor for Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Fair

Senior Advisor to Chancellor of Hong Kong University

Box 8.3e. “Governance and Innovation” Mr. Xue Lan

I have been involved in several CCICED projects, including one related to Environmental Governance in China, with experts from Germany and the USA (2004–2005). Soon after, I served on the Task Force on Innovation and Environment-friendly Society (2006–2007). In 2016–2017 an SPS on environmental governance examined China’s Green Transformation Governance needs. Over this time frame it is fair to say that China’s environmental governance system improved a lot, and I believe that the work of CCICED helped.

When viewed from another perspective, environmental governance is not a simple issue related to the environment. Actually, it faces production mode transformation—and the transformation from production into life styles shared by the entire society. An example on how CCICED linkages can help is the following case. Ms. Lisa Jackson former, US EPA Administrator, became Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Both she and I were involved as members of the 2016–2017 Transformative Change SPS. While working out a specific aspect of China’s environmental governance, we consulted MEP Minister Chen Jining. He mentioned the cultivation of young environmental protection talents. He suggested the need to go beyond influencing people only for these posts, but also reach out to people for all types of posts so that they would be aware of environmental protection for sustainable development in the future.

Subsequently, we took forward the idea for a “Summer Institute for China’s Green Innovators.” We cooperated with Apple to initiate this program and up to this point (5 years) have cultivated several hundred young people. They are exposed to green transformation and sustainable development basics at Tsinghua. Following this, they go to some grass-root entities in China to conduct field investigations. Then they seek out projects and submit their proposed solutions. These are assessed and we have found a lot of good projects. Some have been applied locally, and some are about to provide relevant policy recommendations to the country, or even to the international community. We have a project relating to marine garbage, which has attracted the attention of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs. In addition, some other projects have successfully obtained patents. I mention this program repeatedly in CCICED to remind it to care about cultivating young people—a new generation for China’s green transformative development in the future. We sow the seeds and they will grow into towering trees.

I also want to provide my views on why I believe CCICED can be a long-term success. First, it offers the best integration of openness and reform, a combination of a platform with an international mechanism but also concerned about high-priority domestic environment and sustainable development concerns. Second, CCICED is an example of industry-university-research cooperation. Third, it is a new-type think tank, a dynamic institution capable of shifting attention to be in line with changing policy needs, sometimes quite radically, and a devotion to solid and in-depth efforts. Its results can be directly submitted to top-level leaders but also must be shared broadly and openly for all interested parties.

The value of CCICED to China and the international community in the coming 5–10 years will rise. International environmental changes in the past several years have posed great challenges to China. But, for example, concerning the relationship between climate change and sustainable development, China and western countries share common value in many aspects. Compared to any time in the past, the importance of the CCICED’s platform should be strengthened. Take advantage of this channel and let it play a greater role. At the same time, I wonder if there is the possibility to change into a more flexible orientation during next steps. Combine stable, longer-term projects with flexible ones in order to provide a more complete research mechanism. Also, we need to consider shifting towards scientific analyses that may be more quantitative to confirm environmental standards. We should also take our work to specific end points such as the effect of environmental pollution to human health. This requires empirical effort.

Mr. Xue Lan

Tsinghua University, Dean of Schwarzman College,

Co-Chair of the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solution Network,

and Professor at School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University

Box 8.3f. “A Unique and Impactful Organization” Madame Li Lin

My experience with CCICED extends back more than 15 years. I share the views of many others—Chinese and international—that it is a unique and impactful organization for advancing sustainable development in China and, I believe, in the future, for the world. Below, I provide some reasons why and a suggestion for the future.

Why does China’s government continue to seek advice from CCICED after 30 years? There are many answers. These three stand out for me.

• (1) The unique characteristics of its top-down management system, with access to centralized policy-makers, work effectively in China and allow for transformative change.

• (2) China’s strong desire to learn from a range of experiences throughout the world. CCICED was structured to draw upon wisdom from within China and from many outside sources. That has enabled CCICED to formulate recommendations appropriate for Chinese circumstances and needs and draw upon successful experiences elsewhere. It opens the door to “leap-frogging.”’

• (3) China has good implementation skills and an ability to turn challenges into opportunities. By linking environment with development, CCICED has been well positioned to provide insights helpful to setting necessary policy frameworks that enable high-quality implementation. This has been true not only for pollution prevention and control but also for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Why has CCICED been so successful in attracting outstanding international experts and organizations to participate in its research and policy work and to be Council Members? One reason early on was the interest in working with a major country that was mostly an unknown entity on environmental matters. Later, as the issues became more complex, the full range of problems was revealed, and the government became determined to solve them, CCICED participation became a source of pride for both Chinese and international participants. They added achievements to their professional growth and recognized that their contributions were being applied in meaningful ways—for both the environment and development. Nothing makes a professional environmentalist prouder than his/her opinions and recommendations being valued and put into action in a rising country on the world stage—China.

Why does the mechanism of CCICED continue to work well? Over time, issues have matured and changed. CCICED has kept up with the changes through various consultative means and by keeping track of policy needs. CCICED scans frontiers of concern and hot topics concerning national and global environmental trends.

• (1) CCICED can provide research-grounded policy recommendations relatively quickly—for example, for the low-carbon economy first proposed in 2003 in England. Throughout 2006–2009, CCICED actively debated the issue. By 2010 China put forward the scheme of “five provinces and eight cities” to start low-carbon pilot provinces, regions, and cities.

• (2) Chinese and international thoughts can be sublimated by internal discussions at the level of research teams. This can lead to advanced ideas appropriate for Chinese situations and implementation being further refined during CCICED member meetings, with final recommendations then being forwarded to the State Council.

• (3) Particularly in recent years, CCICED has done a good job of publicizing its policy recommendations—for example, through roundtables and open sessions at the AGMs and through an innovative, fully bilingual website. Recommendations and reports are circulated not only to the State Council but also to a range of decision-makers inside and outside of China, including local governments, businesses, and civil society organizations.

What about the future development of CCICED? For a long time, CCICED has been importing international research beneficial in various ways to Chinese environmental and development policies. So now it is time for CCICED to change into a two-way platform. It should consider how best to tell the Chinese story of sustainable development and help to export successful domestic experience, especially to interested developing countries.

Madame Li Lin

Director of Global Policy and Advocacy, WWF International

Box 8.4 Excerpts of Remarks by International Council Members During the 2021 Annual General Meeting

Erik Solheim, former CCICED Vice Chairperson; World Resources Institute Advisor

… Two huge shifts have happened in the world over the past 30 years.

First, of course, China has won maybe the biggest battle in human history, to bring every single Chinese out of abrupt poverty, and into a decent economic life. It also transformed China and the CCICED from being mainly a recipient of international finance, international technology, and best practices, into an exporter of investment technology and best practices. This is also why Belt and Road is now so important, because it's the vehicle for making all the green ideas, finance and technology in China available to the world.

The second big shift is the shifting of the thinking. In the 20th century, the development model was, pollute first and clean up later. And it was all about win-lose. Economists said, “we need to prioritize development.” Environmentalist said, “No, Mother earth is more important. You need to prioritize green solutions.” Most people think economists won that debate, because development for most people was seen as the most adamant desire of the time. But that was the 20th century. The 21st century is all about win-wins. All the policies, green tourism, green agriculture, shifts from coal into renewables. All the policies are good, both for environment and for development. It is about win-wins, even triple wins, good for economy, good for people's life and health, and good for mother earth, in the same policy.

…And finally, CCICED is all about togetherness, bringing together the private sector, governments, and civil society. More importantly, bringing together all the major regions of the world, China and the United States, Europe, Africa, Latin America, etc. Together we can achieve everything. If we allow someone to split us, we will be poorer, there will be less trade, less technology, and the environment will suffer. So, let's embrace that togetherness. Together we can create a green, global civilization. Together we can create a shared prosperity, and the shared humanity with every single individual.

Stephen Heintz, president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund

… this brings me to the remarkable work of CCICED, which is nearing its 30th year. Through task forces, research projects, on ecological civilization, to production, and green energy, leaders and organizations from across the world have joined hands with scientists, policymakers, and planners in China to tackle some of the countries, and the world's, greatest environmental challenges.

In addition to delivering concrete policy recommendations, CCICED provides a safe space for stakeholders across government, private and non-governmental sectors, to candidly assess the challenges of achieving an ecological society in China, and to form resilient partnerships that have produced practical and significant outcomes. The collaborative research between universities, the information sharing between non-governmental and governmental organizations, and the technical and policy exchanges on climate and environmental affairs are exemplary of the work that is necessary for our entire global community, and the future viability of our planet. It is through these interactions and engagements, that all sides of the table gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's challenges, choices, and actions.

Over the years, and through all of the activities of CCICED, trust has been built and trust may, in fact, be one of the most important outcomes of this council. With the announcement of China's dual goals of peaking emissions before 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, China has reached a major milestone on its journey while also demonstrating old global leadership from Guan dong to Guan dong, across all of China, thousands of hours of learning together and working together have crafted roadmaps, and drafted policies that form the foundations for the achievement of China's ambitious goals. The Chinese leadership is committed to building an ecological civilization, and it is clear China has reliable allies in the diverse international leaders and organizations represented at this AGM.

I think CCICED can be seen as a model of global trust-building, cooperation, and effective partnership in which U.S.-China cooperation is very much present. This model will help China reach its ambitious goals of carbon peaking and neutrality. It will help lead the global community toward a net-zero future.

We close this chapter with the recognition that much more remains to be said on the part of both those working on the supply side of analysis and those charged with the responsibility of turning good ideas into new policy, planning and management efforts.