by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

LOS ANGELES, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China has been committed to a sustainable development path and has taken the lead in global ecological civilization efforts, said U.S. ecological philosopher John Cobb, Jr. in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"No other country has adopted a goal of ecological civilization like China did, and no other country has taken a similar kind of effect," said Cobb, a 93-year-old member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

"That's tremendous leadership in itself," he said.

Cobb is known for applying "process philosophy" that identifies metaphysical reality with change and development to the field of ecology and sustainability to propose solutions to the grave environmental crisis the world faces.

Much of his life's work has been devoted to redirecting humanity's efforts toward the creation of a thriving planet with as many people as possible living happy and healthy lives in harmony with the world around them.

Cobb's ideas coincide with China's pursuit of a sustainable ecological civilization.

Commenting on China's efforts for a better environment, including greener mountains, clearer waters and better air quality, Cobb said the Chinese government has laid a lot of emphasis on environmental protection and emission reduction in recent years.

"China is taking the goal of ecological civilization seriously, not only in words, but also in real actions," he said.

The theory of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on an ecological civilization has been constantly enriched and improved since the 18th CPC National Congress in late 2012.

In his most recent China trip last October, Cobb paid visits to many rural areas to share his ideas for sustainable eco-villages. Recalling his stop in Lishui, a city in eastern China's Zhejiang province, which is one of the first Chinese national ecological civilization demonstration zones, Cobb said he was very impressed by the green and sustainable development there, including the forest coverage, water and air quality.

China is setting an excellent example for the rest of the world in terms of renewable energy, which can help revitalize the country's countryside, he told Xinhua.

As the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition is approaching, Cobb said it offers great opportunities to showcase China's ecological civilization progress as well as its reform and opening-up achievements.

The expo also reveals China's willingness to share progress with the world, and pursue green development together, he added.

Cobb said he believes the expo will offer great experience in ecological agriculture, gardening and horticulture for developing countries.

Slated to kick off on April 29, the 162-day expo is poised to impress an expected number of 16 million visitors from home and abroad, with a huge collection of plants, flowers and eye-catching pavilions, as well as ideas for green development.