The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on May 5 released a guideline on accelerating the building of an ecological civilization.

The guideline, which reflects the top authorities’ strong resolve to push for green and environmentally-friendly development, consists of 35 measures on optimizing the use of land, streamlining the industrial structure, promoting resource conservation and environment protection, using resources more efficiently, and enhancing monitoring and supervision.

Ecological progress is of vital importance to the future of the nation and the well-being of its people, the guideline said; and is of strategic significance along with economic, political, cultural and social progress as core elements for building a beautiful China and for China to achieve lasting and sustainable development.

The guideline stipulates that:

* To maintain a balance between population, resources and the environment, and to promote economic, social and ecological efficiency.

* By 2020, emissions of carbon dioxide per unit of GDP fall by 40 to 45 percent compared to 2005. The share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption increases to around 15 percent.

* By 2020, 80 percent of the major rivers and lakes should meet national water quality standards; and the forest coverage should reach more than 23 percent of land area.

* A number of relevant mechanisms and systems to safeguard ecological security and improve the environment should be established and enhanced by 2020.