lǜsè jīngjì: 绿色经济 - Green Economy, Sustainable Economy

Keywords: 绿色经济, lǜsè jīngjì, green economy in China, sustainable development China, Chinese environmental policy, what is luse jingji, 绿色, 经济, environmental protection China, ecological civilization, carbon neutrality.

Summary: 绿色经济 (lǜsè jīngjì) is the Chinese term for “Green Economy,” a crucial concept for understanding modern China's national strategy. It refers to an economic model that prioritizes sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and resource efficiency. Far from being just a buzzword, it represents a massive, top-down government initiative to shift away from heavy industry towards renewable energy, pollution control, and high-tech, low-carbon industries, impacting everything from global supply chains to daily life in China.

Pinyin (with tone marks): lǜsè jīngjì

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: N/A (Advanced/Topical)

Concise Definition: An economy that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment.

In a Nutshell: Think of 绿色经济 (lǜsè jīngjì) as China's official plan for “going green.” It's the direct translation of “green economy,” but with a strong emphasis on state-led policy and national-level projects. It's about fundamentally changing the country's economic structure from a “grow-at-all-costs” mindset to one that values clean air, clean water, and long-term sustainability. This includes massive investments in solar panels, electric vehicles, and high-speed rail, all under the umbrella of creating a more environmentally friendly and economically stable future.

绿 (lǜ): This character means “green.” It's a simple and direct association with nature, plants, and life. In modern usage, it has taken on the global meaning of being environmentally friendly.

色 (sè): This character means “color.” When combined, 绿色 (lǜsè) literally means “the color green.”

经 (jīng): This character can mean to manage, to pass through, or classic texts. It's a core component of many words related to structure and management.

济 (jì): This character can mean to help or to cross a river.

How they combine: The characters 经 (jīng) and 济 (jì) together form 经济 (jīngjì), the standard Chinese word for “economy.” The origin relates to the idea of managing society to help people prosper. Therefore, 绿色经济 (lǜsè jīngjì) is a very literal and modern construction: Green (绿色) + Economy (经济).

In recent decades, 绿色经济 has become a cornerstone of China's national policy and identity. After a period of rapid industrialization that led to severe environmental problems, the Chinese government has pivoted towards a model it calls “Ecological Civilization” (生态文明, shēngtài wénmíng), with the green economy as its engine. This term signifies a conscious effort to correct the mistakes of the past and position China as a global leader in environmental stewardship.

Comparison to Western Concepts: While the term “green economy” exists in the West, its implementation and cultural weight differ. In many Western countries, the push for a green economy is often a mix of grassroots activism, consumer demand, and government regulation. In China, 绿色经济 is predominantly a top-down, state-directed initiative. The government sets ambitious national goals (like carbon neutrality by 2060), funds massive infrastructure projects (like the world's largest solar farms), and uses its central authority to enforce environmental regulations. The scale and speed of this state-led transformation are unique to the Chinese context.

Related Values: This modern concept connects with the traditional Chinese philosophical value of harmony (和谐, héxié), specifically the idea of “harmony between humanity and nature” (天人合一, tiān rén hé yī). Leaders often invoke this ancient wisdom to legitimize and add cultural depth to modern environmental policies, framing the pursuit of a 绿色经济 not as a Western import, but as a return to traditional Chinese values.

Formality: Highly formal. While an average person understands the concept, they are more likely to use a simpler term like 环保 (huánbǎo), meaning “environmental protection,” in casual conversation. Using 绿色经济 shows you are discussing policy, business, or a serious societal issue.

Connotation: The term carries an overwhelmingly positive connotation. It is associated with progress, modernity, scientific development, national responsibility, and a higher quality of life.

生态文明 (shēngtài wénmíng) - Ecological Civilization. The overarching political and philosophical ideology promoted by the Chinese government, of which the green economy is a key practical component.

可持续发展 (kěchíxù fāzhǎn) - Sustainable Development. The ultimate goal of the green economy. This term is used globally and has the same meaning in Chinese.

环保 (huánbǎo) - Environmental Protection. A much broader and more common term used in daily life to refer to anything “eco-friendly.”

新能源 (xīn néngyuán) - New Energy. Refers to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, which are foundational industries for the green economy.

碳中和 (tàn zhōnghé) - Carbon Neutrality. A specific, measurable goal within the 绿色经济 framework. China has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2060.

低碳 (dī tàn) - Low Carbon. An adjective used to describe a lifestyle, product, or industry that produces low carbon emissions (e.g., 低碳生活 dī tàn shēnghuó - low-carbon lifestyle).

循环经济 (xúnhuán jīngjì) - Circular Economy. A related concept focusing on resource recycling and waste reduction, often discussed alongside the green economy.

金山银山不如绿水青山 (jīnshān yínshān bùrú lǜshuǐ qīngshān) - “Golden mountains and silver mountains are not as good as green waters and lush mountains.” A famous political slogan popularized by Xi Jinping that vividly captures the philosophy behind the shift to a 绿色经济.