Mr. Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection pointed out that China should explore a new path for environmental protection under current financial crisis when he presented at the signing ceremony of Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between MEP and Shaanxi Province held in Xi'an on September 2. The existing environmental protection situation in China is still grave, especially under current financial crisis. People tend to ignore environmental protection, which consequently will result in likely reoccurrence of environmental problems. Addressing environmental problems that threaten sustainable development and public health should be our priority.

　　Zhou said, to respond to current severe situation of environment protection, we should proactively explore new path for environmental protection with Chinese characteristics guided by ecological concept. China should make more efforts in developing green economy and industries, continuously promote emission reduction of key pollutants. Meanwhile, it is necessary to fully play the role of EIA system, accelerate urbanization process, solve urban environmental problems, further improve environment economic policies and advocate green consumption, he reiterated.