Shanghai ranks top in China in terms of capability for sustainable development, a Chinese Academy of Sciences report revealed.

The "China's Sustainable Development Strategy 2008" reported that of the top-10 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and Zhejiang, most were in eastern areas while the vast middle and western regions still lagged behind.

The eastern provinces were also pioneers in building a conservation-conscious society, said the report. The top 10, which included Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province, were also above the national average for conservation efforts.

The environment, however, had deteriorated in most parts of China since 1995, with the exception of Beijing, Shanghai and the eastern Shandong Province, it said.

(China Daily March 4, 2008)