ABSTRACT

In the context of the “dual-carbon” strategy, Jiangsu Province’s efforts in ecological environment protection and sustainable development hold national significance, with its ecological image drawing considerable attention. This study combines the fundamental principles of harmonious discourse analysis (“Proximity principle,” “Goodwill principle,” and “Constraint principle”) with systemic functional linguistics to delve into the process of shaping Jiangsu Province’s ecological image. Using a research corpus consisting of China Daily’s news reports on Jiangsu’s ecology from 2018 to the present, sourced from Lexis Nexis, this study conducts a multidimensional analysis that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. The findings emphasize Jiangsu’s achievements in ecological protection and its role in the dual-carbon strategy, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development. Additionally, the study identifies ecological challenges faced by Jiangsu and offers recommendations to enhance its ecological image. This revised abstract aims for conciseness while maintaining clarity and adherence to academic journal publication standards.