This article summarizes the current situation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt，which is defined as steady progress in ecological conservation but uneven green development. The paper analyzes the constraints and challenges impeding high-quality development along the Yangtze River Economic Belt in terms of resources，the environment，innovation as a leading growth driver，and the reconciling of competing interests. The author offers his suggestions for pursuing innovation-driven and green growth to drive high-quality development along the Yangtze River Economic Belt from the perspectives of green philosophy，green technologies and collaborative development.