By Zhou Taidong, China Center for International Knowledge on Development

Research Report, No.350, 2021 (Total 6415) 2021-11-23

Abstract: Positive progress has been made with tangible effects in the green development drive along the One Belt and One Road routes. In the context of global carbon neutrality, advancing the green development along the Belt and Road routes still faces multiple challenges. Most participating countries have a relatively extensive model of economic growth with a low ecological carrying capacity; large-scale infrastructure construction might bring about negative environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity; China’s green investment regulation system needs to be strengthened, and project management and practical capabilities need to be further improved; green projects face difficulties in financing; the U.S. and some Western countries have increased competition and constraints. It is advisable for us to adopt the following policy options. We need to be aware of  the importance of promoting the green development along the One Belt and One Road routes from the perspective of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the building of a global community with a shared future; formulate a system of green development institutional rules along the One Belt and One Road routes with reference to international green rules; promote development of green investment, green trade and green financial system; increase the sharing of green growth knowledge and gain a bigger say on the international stage relating to green development; and enhance the capacity of enterprises and financial institutions for green cooperation.

Keywords: the One Belt and One Road Initiative, carbon neutrality, green development