Xie Zhenhua, China's special envoy for climate change, has received an Outstanding Contribution in Sustainability award for the year 2022 from Sweden's Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation.

The veteran climate diplomat received the honour for his tremendous contribution regarding world climate changes as well as building global cooperations in sustainable development.

Xie extended his gratitude in a video acceptance speech, and said: "The honor is the recognition of achievements China has made after years of coping with climate change and promoting sustainable development.

"In the past 10 years, China has achieved the goal of all-out poverty alleviation, with an average annual growth rate of energy consumption of 3 percent, supporting an average economic growth of 6.5 percent.

"China's practice shows that, far from hindering economic development, actions to protect the ecological environment and address climate change can foster new growth drivers, create new job opportunities, and improve the quality and efficiency of development."

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China's ambassador to Sweden, Cui Aimin, expressed his warm congratulations and pointed out that the award is not only a commendation to the special envoy, but also a high recognition of China's contribution to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

The foundation also awarded Bruno Wu, Chairman and CEO of Sun Seven Stars Investment Group of China, and Collin O'Mara, CEO of National Wildlife Federation of America, for their great efforts and contributions on climate change for many years.

The award is the first of its kind by Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation since its inception in 2007.

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