In the 21st century, 环保 (huánbǎo) has transformed from a niche topic into a cornerstone of Chinese national policy and public discourse. For decades, China's focus was on rapid economic development, often at a high environmental cost. Today, the consequences of that—such as air pollution and water contamination—have made 环保 a matter of public health, social stability, and national pride. The Chinese government has embraced 环保 with tremendous force, promoting concepts like “ecological civilization” (生态文明, shēngtài wénmíng) and popularizing slogans like “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” (绿水青山就是金山银山). This contrasts with Western environmentalism, which often has deep roots in grassroots activism and non-governmental organizations. While citizen awareness and participation are growing rapidly in China (e.g., widespread adoption of waste sorting), the 环保 movement is largely a state-driven, top-down initiative. The emphasis is on large-scale technological solutions, strict regulations, and collective action to solve massive environmental challenges, reflecting a societal value for pragmatic, collective problem-solving directed by a central authority.
环保 (huánbǎo) is a versatile and common term used in many contexts.