"A great number of nations are looking to China to take the lead in building eco-civilization. If the fastest-growing country, which is soon to become the world number one economy can do it, why can't they?" said Surakiart Sathirathai, former deputy prime minister of Thailand, at the sub-forum, Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety, at the 2014 Eco Forum Global Annual Conference in Guiyang yesterday afternoon.

Eco-agriculture and food safety are not only important for the Chinese people, but are also equally important for nations and peoples around the world. They are closely related to sustainable development and building eco-civilization.

China's new leadership has sent an unequivocal message to the Chinese people and the world that environmental issues are the government's top priorities. China's top legislature revised the environmental protection law in April, imposing much harsher punishments on polluters and increasing the liability of the government. The Supreme People's Court set up a tribunal for environment cases in June, to increase the role of the judiciary in solving environmental conflicts.

The world is pleased to see that China is serious about green development. But it is a huge task to ensure eco-agriculture and food safety, and that's why joining hands with the government, enterprises and the civil society is crucial.

The year's forum is timely and provides a perfect platform for people to reflect on paths toward green development. Dr. Surakiart pointed out that the legal framework and environmental policies are far from enough. "What would be the effective ways to [achieve green development?] To me, as a Buddhist, I believe green development is the result of green thinking." Since a healthy environment is not only important for us, but also for generations to come, it is high time for everyone on earth to carry out some soul-searching and cultivate a "green" attitude to life. Confucius also wrote that he who will not economize will have to agonize.

Surakiart warned that our desire for green development should not be hijacked by human greed. We need to remember that the world has enough resources to provide for everyone's needs, but not enough for everyone's greed.

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