China measures how ‘green’ its cadres are – but will it be enough?

China unveiled a “green development” index this week as a way to measure how local governments perform on the environment – and push them to change – but some analysts say it may not be enough.

The index puts the environment above economic expansion as Beijing tries to force local cadres to change their mindset when it comes to development. Their careers will now be linked to how environmentally friendly they are, as measured by the index.

It is compiled by the statistics bureau, economic planning agency and the environment ministry, but significantly, the Communist Party’s Central Organisation Department – which decides who is appointed and promoted – is also involved.

Tackling the choking smog that plagues Chinese cities is one of President Xi Jinping’s key campaigns. He has played down the importance of headline growth, urging cadres to focus more on the pollution fight.

Although gross domestic product is likely to remain an important indicator, Xinhua reported that the annual index was “a new yardstick in measuring the performance of regional development and local government” in China’s efforts to do something about pollution.