Tibet is a land of abundance, rich in natural resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage. While short of oil, gas and coal, Tibet enjoys vast reserves of renewable energy resources. The region ranks No. 1 in solar and thermal energy reserve, and No. 7 in wind power. Tibet‘s pristine environment and rich resources have started to bring huge economic benefits to the region. It has a unique opportunity to become an exemplar model of innovation, coordination, green development, opening-up and sharing.

Tibet has seen double-digit GDP growth in the past decade. To fuel the rapid economic development, Tibet‘s demand for energy also experienced rapid growth and is projected to continue an upward trajectory. It is important to ensure that future development is turbocharged by clean energy and occurs in a manner consistent with the preservation of environmental quality. However, due to its ecological sensitivity and vulnerability, compounded by the combined effect of global warming and human intervention, some parts of the region have suffered from desertification, land erosion and transboundary air pollution. To protect Tibet‘s environmental quality while growing the economy and lifting hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, the government has established a comprehensive set of targets to advance Tibet‘s social, economic and environmental development, including supplying 45% of the energy consumed with non-fossil fuel and implementation of a carbon emissions trading system.

The Environmental Defense Fund has worked for decades in harnessing the power of markets for the common good. Our experiences with the Habitat Exchange, low-carbon farming, and California‘s carbon trading program etc. have demonstrated that market mechanism provides a most effective means in boosting economic growth while protecting the environment and public health.

Given Tibet‘s abundant renewable energy resources – solar power in particular, there is huge room to promote the utilization of innovative solar technologies such as solar water heater and heating, passive solar house, and mobile devices charging station. Many of these technologies are already in popular use. Also, solar power micro-grid holds a gold key to resolving the power shortage challenge faced by many Tibetans in remote areas.

Guided by the five development concepts, Tibet serves a vital connector hub in the "One Belt, One Road" initiative; and a key gateway for exchanges with China‘s neighboring countries. Tibet enjoys a huge advantage in introducing its uniquely featured industries and culture to the outside world.

Green mountains are gold mountains. Tibet‘s fresh air and clean water are among the most valuable assets on earth. Realization of the Beautiful China Dream on the Roof of the World not only benefits China but also the whole world.

(Dan Dudek, Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund)