The 53rd Earth Day fell on April 22, with Guangzhou's Haizhu district spotlighting its significant achievements in green and low-carbon development.

Guided by the conviction that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," the district has been devoted to green and sustainable development.

At present, Haizhu is accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system led by the digital economy, with a particular focus on new-generation information technology, technological services, high-end commerce, modern business exhibitions, as well as cultural tourism. It has built a number of distinctive science and technology innovation parks, as well as cultural and creative industry parks, with about 3,000 settled enterprises. The added value of its five leading industries accounts for 48.7 percent of its GDP.

Guided by its focus on prioritizing both environmental protection and pursuing economic development, Haizhu has implemented a negative list of industries, as well as improved the regional industrial environment access standard system in combination with the intensive use of land. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2015-20), the energy consumption per 10,000 yuan ($1,538) of GDP in Haizhu decreased by 20.83 percent. The total energy consumption in the district in 2020 was 4.26 million metric tons of standard coal.

Haizhu also encourages green travel, advocating low-carbon travel modes like walking, cycling, public transportation, and electric vehicles. As of 2021, it has 3,164 public electric vehicle charging piles.

Haizhu values ecological and environmental protection. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]