Ancient Chinese culture can advance eco-civilization, scholars say. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Climate change, deforestation and various environmental hazards exacerbated by human exploitation have called for serious attention from governments. Building an eco-friendly society has become a pressing issue and a growing consensus among all countries.

Against this backdrop, eco-civilization gradually becomes a top discussed subject and multiple perspectives, including the most popular economic approach and the social developmental approach, have been employed to contribute persuasive rationales to a sustainable and eco-friendly civilization. However, interpreting eco-civilization from a cultural perspective is far from prevailing.

Ancient Chinese cultural and philosophical beliefs are loaded with ecological spirit. Confucianism advocates the harmony between Tian (heaven) and human. One of the core concepts of Confucian beliefs, Ren, translated as "humaneness", refers to the character of a compassionate mind to other people, and also to nature. Nature's power is stressed in Taoism too; it argues that we should follow nature’s way and free ourselves from excessive desire and selfishness.

Respecting nature as a moral guideline is not only essential in ancient philosophical beliefs, it is also valued in Buddhism. Scholar Cheng Gongrang said in the forum that Buddhism is rich in ecological wisdom. It holds a view that all living things are equal, that people should reflect their world views and rethink the value and dignity of other living beings. "It is time we stopped talking about human rights and start a conversation about the rights of all living things", Cheng said.