China's environmental conundrums will not be solved by changes within government alone. New mechanisms are needed to allow the communities which may be affected by a given plan, and citizens concerned about the environment, to join in.

In this quote, Ma Jun argues that addressing China's environmental conundrums requires more than just internal reforms within the government. He suggests that government actions alone will not be sufficient to tackle the country’s complex environmental issues, which include pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. Instead, he calls for new mechanisms that allow for broader community and citizen involvement in environmental decision-making processes.

Ma Jun emphasizes the importance of public participation in shaping environmental policies. He believes that the communities directly affected by environmental plans should have a voice in the decision-making process. This ensures that the concerns of those who will bear the most significant impacts of policies—such as pollution or land use changes—are properly considered. Similarly, he advocates for the involvement of citizens who are concerned about environmental issues more broadly, encouraging a more inclusive approach to governance.

The call for new mechanisms suggests that the existing systems may be insufficient in addressing the scale of environmental challenges. These mechanisms might include public consultations, community-driven projects, or collaborative platforms that bring together government bodies, local communities, and environmental activists. Ma Jun’s approach is rooted in the belief that a more democratic and participatory model is crucial for creating sustainable and effective environmental policies.

Ultimately, the quote reflects Ma Jun’s vision for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to tackling environmental problems, highlighting the need for a system where governments, communities, and citizens work together to create lasting solutions for China’s pressing environmental challenges.