Ecological civilization is a new concept proposed by former president Hu Jintao as futureoriented guidance for development, recognizing the damage already done to the environment bythe mushrooming economy.

Throughout the past decade, Northeast China’s economy has boomed at the cost of the environment, interrupting the balance between economy and ecology.

For example, heavy industries’ layout was planned without taking into consideration the impact on the environment.

The exploitation of resources exceeded the environment’s capacity.

Boosting the economy without substantial damage to the environment is the major obstacle in the progress of urbanization.

Jilin government believes that the key to solving this problem is to achieve maximum efficiency, through quality space and resources.

"Natural resources are Jilin’s essential stronghold and it is also a precious gift from nature," said Bayin Chaolu, Party chief of Jilin. "We need to ensure awareness of green development and let green development be the guideline," he added.

At present, Changchun is working toward becoming a major city in Northeast Asia. The

recently approved Changchun New Area development plan covers the period of 2016-30.

Its main strategy will echo the Belt and Road Initiative in order to revitalize Northeast China and the National New-type Urbanization Plan, and finally aim to build an ecological city up from foundations in the frozen land.

Piloting a cold region eco-system

Based on its particular climate and geological conditions, Changchun has adapted its development to reflect that of other established cities, such as Vancouver, Canada, and Freiburg, Germany.

Vancouver experienced a similar dilemma to that which Jilin is currently facing: over-exploitation of natural resources to meet the demand from its automotive industry.

This led to environmental damage in the western Canadian city. In 2009, Vancouver put forward a report called Vancouver 2020: A Brighter Green Future, to initiate and implement reforms.

Freiburg has also spent 40 years putting forward 41 action plans to transform itself into an eco-friendly city.

Jyri Nieminen, chief sustainability officer at Sweco Finland Ltd, quoted by Changchun Daily, confirmed that Changchun’s approach is efficient. "Changchun’s plan has been made with careful consideration of successful cases and its own character. It has taken ecology, environment and energy into consideration, and it covers all aspects of life, from living space, to manufacturing, transportation and administration."

"Urbanization is all about city planning," said Wang Junzheng, an official with the Standing Committee of Jilin Provincial Committee. "We need to learn from different advanced cities and aim for a better image, because city planning decides the future. We must build a respectful image of the city as well as focusing on living standards for residents," Wang added.

Changchun’s new city plan learns from these established cities, but also considers its own qualities. Fast-paced urbanization can often lead to a large number of standardized urban cities.

However, according to the city’s plan, Changchun New Area will work on preserving its own features and identity, such as its unique geological landscape shaped by long-lasting winters.

The concept of green development is the guiding principle for the city’s plans. The plans have addressed issues such as how to build a lowcarbon economy and improve residents’ quality of life.

First, the city’s pilot plan expects to boost recycling rates.

To tackle the lack of water sources in Changchun New Area, the self-cleaning and recycling capability of the water supply system will be enhanced to boost efficient water use.

Also, the area will reduce solid waste by establishing an end-to-end recycling system from waste collection, transportation, categorization and processing, to reduce the consumption of raw materials.