The idea of ecological civilization was first introduced during the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2007, marking a new direction in the country's social and economic development. In 2012, it became even more central when it was included in the "five-in-one" framework, placing environmental protection alongside economic, political, cultural, and social development.

The importance of the concept has continued to grow. In 2017, ecological civilization was described as a long-term goal for China's future, and, in 2018, it was written into its Constitution.

Today, it is a key concept shaping how the country approaches development.

In recent years, China has made remarkable progress in embedding ecological civilization effectively into its development planning.

A major challenge to the country's continuous socioeconomic development during the post-2020 era has been that the climate, as in the rest of the world, has been changing much faster than scientists had expected. Fortunately, the concept of ecological civilization has provided an important framework within which the issues associated with climate change can be properly addressed.

One of the clearest signs of climate change is the shifting patterns of rainfall.

Since the early 2000s, northern China, traditionally a water-scarce area, has been receiving more rainfall than before, while some areas along the Yangtze River have been recording less rain.

This climate shift is gradually changing China's ecological landscape.

These changes are closely linked to the increase in global warming. Rising temperatures are making extreme weather conditions more frequent and intense, and sometimes for longer durations.

For example, more typhoons are moving faster northward in the country, increasing the risk of heavy rainfall, and thus increasing economic losses in inland regions.

As a result, areas that once faced regular droughts now have to face new challenges such as severe storms and floods.

Against this backdrop, ecological civilization is helping China respond to both new opportunities and unfamiliar challenges. Increased rainfall is easing water shortages in northern and northwestern regions.

Across the Mongolian Plateau, for example, surface water bodies and wetlands have shown clear signs of recovery since 2010. These changes are opening up new environmental and economic possibilities.

In Inner Mongolia autonomous region, this trend can already be observed. East Juyan Lake, which disappeared in the late 20th century, has reappeared in recent years. Wuliangsuhai Lake has begun to stabilize after years of steady decline. Hongjiannao Lake, the largest desert freshwater lake in China, is also gradually recovering, helped not only by increased rainfall but also by the implementation of stronger environmental policies and better water and land management practices.

These environmental improvements are also improving agriculture and local economies. In northeastern provinces like Heilongjiang and Jilin, warmer temperatures and more rainfall are extending growing seasons and supporting the expansion of maize and rice production.

In the North China Plain, more rainfall and effective groundwater management have significantly reduced pressure on aquifer depletion. This process is helping farmers maintain stable production of wheat and maize, which ensures food security and increases rural household incomes.

At the same time, recovering ecosystems are creating new economic opportunities for people. Proper management of wetlands and lakes is supporting fisheries, eco-tourism and several green industries. In this way, ecological improvements are being increasingly linked with socioeconomic development.

In cities, ecological civilization is also changing how climate risks are managed. Places such as Wuhan, Hubei province and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, among others, have developed "sponge city" programs, which allow rainwater to contribute to groundwater recharge.

This means water can be used instead of causing floods and economic damage.

Major infrastructure projects, including the South-North Water Transfer, are also helping to balance water resources across regions, and contributing to the country's economic development.

Recent extreme weather events have further pushed these efforts forward. Cities have further improved monitoring systems and inter-institutional coordination, making adaptation to climate change more effective, proactive and less damaging.

However, challenges remain. More intense rainfall is putting added pressure on flood control systems and urban drainage networks that were designed for the more stable climate conditions in the past.

Adaptation is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvements.

Ecological civilization offers a clear direction for this effort. It connects environmental protection with economic and social planning, helping China adapt to changing climate conditions while continuing its steady social and economic development.

By improving water and land management practices, supporting agriculture, and strengthening resilience in cities and regions, China is turning climate challenges into opportunities for more sustainable growth.

In other words, ecological civilization is not just an ideological concept but also a practical way forward in a changing climate.

Asit K. Biswas is a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Glasgow in the UK; Wang Hao is an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research; Cecilia Tortajada is an honorary professor at the University of Glasgow in the UK.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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