"The government's perception of growth will determine the success or failure of promoting ecological progress," Cao said. "In the government, the evaluation and promotion of officials is a core driving force."
China's rapid economic growth has been facing growing challenges, as its current growth model features high energy consumption and high levels of pollution that cannot be maintained.
Experts say that if China's appetite for energy continues to grow at its current pace, its resources will be stretched to the extreme.
Public fury directed at local governments for failing to protect the environment has increased dramatically in recent times. Massive protests were staged in two cities this year, with local residents angrily proclaiming their opposition to the construction of paraxylene (PX) plants.
Beijing residents have also voiced complaints this year, with tens of thousands of online posts about the city's poor air quality. Their actions prompted a nationwide change in the way air quality is monitored, with the adoption of stricter monitoring standards in some cities.
Snow hits capital of China, flights delayed
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