The result of the 2014-2015 “Green China Person of the Year” selection was revealed on July 8. Ten candidates were selected as winners. Chang Jiwen, Vice-Director-General of the Research Institute for Resources and Environment Policies, was one of the winners for his special contribution in theoretical research work in environmental protection. He was the only winner of the academic innovation award and was the first to accept the award on stage. Chang expressed his gratitude to the DRC and the Research Institute for Resources and Environment Policies during his acceptance speech.

In 2013, Chang started his research in environmental protection theory, and published his findings in 2014 and 2015. His theory was accepted by the Communist Party of China and the government which are both responsible for environmental protection.

The selection process of this award was put online for the public to supervise. After surveying the public, voting by judges, and online public voting, the final list of the “Person of the Year” was determined.

Chang has helped draft more than 30 laws in China, and served as the advisor for several major environmental protection ventures. He has published more than 290 papers in Chinese and international reviews, and over ten books on environmental protection; he has also edited more than ten books. He has won at least 20 awards in China.

Chang played an important role in the research filed of ecological system reform from 2014 to 2016, and he was invited to interpret his research findings in major Chinese media such as CCTV and People’s Daily.