During the past 40 years of rapid development since the reform and opening up，Shanghai successive municipal party committee and government have attached great importance to environmental protection by insisting sustainable development. A lot of beneficial explorations have been taken in the field of environmental protection and construction. The history of environmental protection development shows its unique along with the economic and social development. This paper aims to review the environmental protection work during the past 30 years，to analyze the milestone and historical process，to discuss the change accompany with the economic and social development，and to give the case analysis in key environmental protection area and key problem. The experience summed up will guide the environmental protection work in the new era and situation.