Crowd gathered at the National Convention Center today to celebrate the launch of China’s first bilingual comic book on the subject of low carbon. The Green Life Comic Book was designed by Our Part initiative, a joint environmental awareness campaign of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China and its National Goodwill Ambassador, renowned actress Ms. Zhou Xun.

Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China, addressed the 150 audience including students and teachers from 15 primary and middle schools in Beijing, saying, “We join forces in creating the Green Life Comic Book because we believe in the power of individual change. The longest journey begins with the first step. Inspired by the ideas in the Book, each of us can become a green ambassador, and we can inspire others.”

The comic book presents 57 serial works by 16 Chinese artists from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The book also received support from long-standing partners: Center for Environmental Education of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, China’s Top Brands Magazine, an affiliate of Xinhua News Agency, and Huayi Brothers Media Co. In addition, through this extensive network of the Ministry of Education, the first 100,000 books will be distributed to primary and middle schools in major cities across China.

Mr. Wang Guangtao, Chairman of Environment Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of National People’s Congress, and Mr. Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection, contributed the forewords for the book.

Ms. Lok-Dessallien also spoke to the readers directly in the foreword she contributed to the book, urging them to take action: “I encourage everyone to join us in the fight against climate change by adopting these simple eco-friendly alternatives.” The comical cartoon strips have been injected with important environmental messages to create a light-hearted book for young readers.

Ms. Zhou Xun commented during the event, “To me, environmental protection brings me happiness in all aspects of my life. I do not feel it is an obligation, but rather a personal responsibility that leaves me feeling fulfilled. I hope with this comic book, such happiness can be shared with all readers. I also hope children around the world will have the opportunity to read it, so that they will start protecting our Earth and the environment.”

The event concluded with the following quotation: “We can all do OUR PART to make this world a better, greener place for everyone.”

(China Development Gateway, November 12, 2010)