What's Happening?
Bernice Lee, a special adviser with the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, has urged China to integrate nature into its fiscal, institutional, and investment frameworks during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).
This call comes in response to climate-related disasters in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the systemic risks of ecological breakdown. Lee emphasizes the importance of 'nature infrastructure' as a priority for resilience, suggesting that forests, wetlands, and soils should be treated as strategic assets. The approach is institutionalized through Ecological Conservation Redlines and Main Functional Zones, integrating ecosystems into development planning while enforcing ecological accountability.
Why It's Important?
The integration of nature into economic frameworks is crucial for enhancing resilience against climate-related disasters, which have been increasingly affecting China. By treating natural assets as core infrastructure, China can safeguard food and energy security, reduce disaster risks, and promote 'common prosperity.' This strategy not only addresses ecological imperatives but also offers a resilient economic approach. The move could position China as a leader in global ecological governance, potentially influencing international policies and investments in sustainable development.
What's Next?
China is expected to further embed natural capital into its financial and development institutions, potentially influencing sovereign credit ratings and fiscal frameworks. The country may pilot debt-for-nature conversions and publish verifiable ecological outcomes to inform policy and attract investment. These steps could catalyze equitable, nature-positive growth globally, leveraging China's strengths in agritech, biotech, and clean energy.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on nature as infrastructure reflects a broader shift towards recognizing ecological assets as integral to economic stability. This approach could redefine global economic strategies, promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. It also highlights the ethical responsibility of nations to integrate environmental considerations into their economic planning.
