New road for telecoupling global prosperity and ecological sustainability

Abstract

China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand the ancient land routes that connect China to the Mediterranean Sea and corresponding ocean‐based routes, is expanding global cooperation with profound socioeconomic and ecological implications. As China and associated countries are developing specific policies to implement the initiative, it is important to analyze and integrate major relevant issues. In this article, we discuss several major challenges facing the Belt and Road region: complex natural features, mismatched resources, shared ecological issues, and diverse socioeconomic conditions. To meet the challenges, we apply the integrated framework of telecoupling (socioeconomic and environmental interactions over distances) and propose to enhance infrastructure connection, transboundary actions, scientific and cultural exchanges, and institutional innovations within the Belt and Road region; and collaborate with more international organizations and countries beyond the Belt and Road region for a prosperous and sustainable world.