April 22 marks the 56th World Earth Day. The official theme unveiled on the World Earth Day official website is "Our Energy, Our Planet". It calls on the public to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, so as to jointly safeguard a green future for the planet.

Amid this energy revolution that bears on the future of humanity and the Earth, China is driving strong momentum for global green transition through innovative practices and open international cooperation.

"Our goal is to triple global renewable energy power generation by 2030," the official website of World Earth Day stated while introducing this year’s theme. "We call on everyone to choose smart energy solutions for households, and urge governments at all levels, the industrial sector and enterprises to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy."

Renewable energy is widely recognized as the optimal energy option. Fossil fuels are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, and human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are a major driver of global warming. In contrast, the adoption of renewable energy can substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions, helping address climate change and reduce climate-related risks such as heatwaves, floods and the spread of infectious diseases.

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy also delivers tremendous public health benefits. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels helps improve air quality and mitigate water pollution, thereby lowering the incidence of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and water pollution-related illnesses, and alleviating the burden on public healthcare systems.

Economically, the development of renewable energy injects new impetus into economic growth, drives innovation in industry, transportation, agriculture and other sectors, accelerates technological progress, and creates millions of new jobs worldwide.

Meanwhile, after decades of cost optimization and technological advancement, renewable energy has become increasingly cost-competitive. According to the Renewable Power Generation Costs 2023 report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 81% of newly added renewable energy capacity in 2023 was cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. The renewable energy substitution initiative helps lower energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and provide affordable electricity for all.

The philosophy of green development has taken deep root in China. The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the proposition that "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". On this year’s World Earth Day, China adopts the promotional theme of Cherish the Earth and Pursue Harmonious Coexistence between Humanity and Nature, further mobilizing the whole society to protect our planetary home and advance the modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.