China's efforts to achieve sustainable development include cutting excess capacity, changing its economic structure and pursuing steady growth. So what exactly are the country's ambitions?

Mining was once a key driver of China's economy. Now coal mines are being closed around the country. At least 1.3 million workers will lose their jobs. But the government is determined to carry on.

"We will close more coal mines with production capacity of 500 million tons, and cut another 500 million tons through coal mine restructuring in the next three to five years," Chinese president Xi Jinping said.

Some Chinese companies have begun to explore ways to be more environmentally friendly. East China's paper producer Tranlin has developed technology to use straw instead of wood to make paper. Part of the straw waste is turned into fertilizer to be applied on land.

"We believe that China will be a key element of success for the world as a whole to achieve sustainable development. China's experiences and lessons can serve as important reference for other developing countries. China has developed very pragmatic technologies in environmental protection. These can be exported to other countries," Jiang Nanqing, National officer with UN Environment Program China, said.

China is ambitious in doing more and better with less. In the next five years, the government aims to lift 56 million rural residents out of poverty, and double the country's GDP and per capita income of 2010. At the same time, per unit of GDP, it aims to cut water consumption by 23%, energy consumption by 15% and CO2 emissions by 18% . But will China achieve these goals?

Experts say China will have to overcome a period of transition. It may pose challenges, like unemployment, but opportunities are also expected.

"Based on our analysis, we believe this transition will create new industries such as renewable energy and green architecture. They will create new jobs. The key question here is how to help unemployed people gain new skills and transition to these new sectors," Jiang said.

Until then, China will have to make some tough decisions and much persistant effort.

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