China's EIA reforms in ecosystem integration, climate, follow-up and digital support frame discussion on assessing planetary recovery alternatives.
Assessing planetary recovery alternatives requires impact assessment to connect ecological integrity, climate objectives and long-term outcomes. These introductory remarks draw on China's Ecological and Environmental Code to frame four directions in environmental impact assessment (EIA) reform: strengthening ecosystem-based assessment beyond separate environmental media; incorporating greenhouse gas emissions; linking assessment before approval with monitoring and follow-up during construction and operation; and developing shared data and digital tools to support assessment. Ecological and environmental zoning management illustrates how regional priorities and constraints can inform planning and project choices. These directions raise practical questions for comparing mitigation, restoration and regeneration alternatives: how to consider cumulative effects and trade-offs between ecological and climate objectives, use monitoring to revise earlier judgments, and build a reliable shared evidence base. Their contribution depends on implementation, data quality and professional accountability. Within the Fit for Future Initiative, the remarks use China's reforms to open dialogue among IA and SEA practitioners, Earth and human system specialists, and planetary recovery institutions. They invite participants to identify assessment capabilities and collaborative next steps needed to support recovery choices across national contexts.
Prof. Jing WU is director of Environmental and Social Development Research Centre at Nankai University, P.R.China.