The System of Accountability for Eco-Environmental Damage
This system is designed to hold individuals and entities accountable for failing to perform their duties in eco-environmental conservation.
In a document on promoting an eco-civilization, issued in April 2015, the central authorities decided to build a sound system of accountability and implement an eco-environmental accountability system for leading officials. Those who fail to ensure rational development and cause serious damage to natural resources and the environment will be identified and held accountable for life. They will not be allowed to be promoted or take important posts, and those who have already transferred to other posts will still be held accountable.
Following this document, the central authorities issued another document in August 2015, with stipulations about how to hold leading Party and government officials accountable for eco-environmental damage.
This system of accountability was included in the overall plan to reform the system for developing an eco-civilization, issued by the central authorities in September 2015, which enforced lifelong accountability.
The formulation of these documents demonstrates the determination of the CPC and the Chinese government to build an eco-civilization.
生态文明责任追究制度
生态文明责任追究制度，即对没有尽到生态保护与发展职责的相关责任主体实行严格的责任追究，要求其承担相应后果。2015年4月，中共中央、国务院印发《关于加快推进生态文明建设的意见》，要求完善责任追究制度，建立领导干部任期生态文明建设责任制，严格责任追究，对违背科学发展要求、造成资源环境生态严重破坏的要记录在案，实行终身追责，不得转任重要职务或提拔使用，已经调离的也要问责。同年8月，中共中央办公厅、国务院办公厅印发《党政领导干部生态环境损害责任追究办法（试行）》，首次对追究党政领导干部生态环境损害责任作出制度性安排。同年9月，中共中央、国务院印发《生态文明体制改革总体方案》，进一步提出了包括责任追究制度在内的8项根本制度，要求建立生态环境损害责任终身追究制。这一系列生态文明建设政策文件的出台，体现了中国共产党和中国政府建设生态文明高度负责的勇气和决心，标志着国家生态文明建设进入实质问责阶段。