China's First Steel Province Strives for a Green Transformation
Balancing the challenge of reducing smog and boosting economic growth, Hebei — China’s largest province — faces mounting pressure from employment, finance, and slowing development. Its approach to green development is clear: it must endure pain now to achieve rebirth later.
Green development is not just a choice — it is a necessity for a big province like Hebei.
Reducing steel production and coal use is a tough but essential path to progress.
The party and government are taking full responsibility for environmental protection, setting a new standard in history.
The same challenges persist: reducing smog while maintaining economic growth, managing employment pressures, and adapting to slower development. Hebei’s stance remains firm — it must sacrifice short-term gains for long-term sustainability.
Changing Mindsets:
Environmental issues are fundamentally development issues.
The only sustainable growth pole is green growth.
Hebei stands at a crucial crossroads.
Persistent smog and a deteriorating environment have become major problems for Hebei. After deep reflection, the provincial leadership has come to understand that environmental problems are rooted in outdated development models.
In 2012, Hebei produced 180.48 million tons of crude steel, 12.81 million tons of cement, and 113.83 million weight boxes of flat glass — ranking first, fifth, and first nationally, respectively. This high-energy, high-pollution model was unsustainable.
“We can no longer continue this way,†said Zhou Benshun, head of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee. “A green rise is the only option.â€
In December 2013, during a meeting of the Provincial Party Committee, officials emphasized shifting evaluation criteria from GDP growth to fiscal revenue, public income, and environmental indicators.
Governor Zhang Qingwei stated that future development should focus on quality, efficiency, and green growth, rather than just GDP.
At the recent "two sessions" in Hebei, Zhang reiterated the need for economic restructuring, improved development quality, stronger environmental protection, and better livelihoods.
These mindset changes are quiet but profound. Today, green development is central to the thinking of leaders across Hebei.
Sun Ruibin, a member of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee, stressed the need for breakthroughs in emerging industries, traditional industry upgrades, and reduced overcapacity.
Jiang Deguo, deputy governor of Hebei, noted that while early development relied on exploiting natural resources, now, ecological advantages are seen as economic assets.
Gao Hongzhi, a local party leader, said that moving away from GDP-centric metrics would open up space for green growth.
Zunhua’s deputy mayor Liang Hui highlighted the urgent need to transform heavy industries and support eco-friendly policies.
Overcoming old ideas and building consensus, the concept of green development is taking root in Hebei, marking the start of a new era of sustainable growth.
Changing Paths:
Focusing on key industries to reduce steel and coal.
Industrial adjustment in the climb.
Facing severe air pollution challenges, Hebei is at a turning point in industrial restructuring. To achieve a green rise, the province must make bold moves.
Reducing excess capacity will cause short-term pain, but it is necessary. For example, over 600,000 workers may be affected, with billions in social costs and tax revenue losses.
“Even if it hurts, we must cut,†said Zhou Benshun, emphasizing the need for reduction in steel, cement, glass, and coal.
Zhang Qingwei called for industrial transformation as a must-have for Hebei.
In 2014, Hebei set targets to cut 15 million tons of steel, 10 million tons of cement, 15 million tons of coal, and 18 million standard weight boxes of flat glass.
Projects will be concentrated in priority zones, while “high-pollution, high-energy†projects will be strictly controlled.
Alongside cuts, Hebei will also invest in upgrading traditional industries and supporting promising enterprises.
Pollution control efforts will focus on cement, thermal power, and glass industries, with desulfurization and dust removal projects completed by 2014.
Efforts to relocate polluting enterprises and eliminate yellow-label vehicles will also accelerate.
From recognizing the problem to taking action, Hebei is steadily moving toward its green rise goal.
Changing Measures:
Party and government take responsibility to coordinate.
New assessment system supports green development.
How will Hebei, a large province, manage its green transition?
Previously, job creation and economic survival were top priorities. But under Zhang Qingwei’s leadership, air quality improvement became a key goal.
Targets were set for cities, with specific reductions in steel, coal, and other pollutants.
This year, Hebei included PM2.5 reduction in assessments, aiming for a 3% drop in energy consumption per unit of GDP and significant reductions in various emissions.
The party and government have taken responsibility, elevating environmental protection to a political mission.
“No more capacity added in cement or glass,†Zhang warned. “If it happens, officials will be held accountable.â€
Professor Wang Xiaojiang explained that environmental responsibility now extends to both the party and government, ensuring accountability at all levels.
Environmental governance has become a core part of Hebei’s work. The provincial party committee has prioritized industrial transformation and pollution control, making them key challenges.
With shared responsibilities, task decomposition, and a new evaluation system, Hebei is paving the way for a green future.
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