China sets new targets to tackle air pollution

China has imposed a new set or targets that aim to see air pollution in its provinces reduced by between five and 25 per cent. The move is the latest in the country's efforts to cut down emissions and to minimise the negative effects that air pollution has on its citizens. 

Although previous directives have been imposed in China's cities in a bid to improve air quality, they have had little effect. Many cities continue to experience high levels of smog caused by air pollution, which often results in the closure of schools and businesses. According to Chen Zhu, former health minister, between 350,000 and 500,000 premature deaths are caused each year. 

Some 11 of the China's 31 provinces have been charged with reducing PM2.5 particulate pollution - particles that measure under 2.5 micrometres - by 25 per cent each year, according to a liability paper that was signed by the Ministry of Environment Protection and the affected regions. This is the highest level of reduction outlined by the new limits and must be undertaken by the Hebei Province Beijing and Tianjin municipality. 

Other areas of the country will have to reduce PM2.5 pollution by 20 per cent - Shandong, Shanghai, Shanxi and Jiangsu - while Guangdong and Chongqing are faced with a 15 per cent annual reduction. Other regions of the country have been charged with reducing PM10 pollution by between five and 15 per cent each year. 

Only the Tibet Autonomous Region, Hainan and Yunnan have been given no reduction goals due to low air pollution levels, although they must continue to work to reduce emissions.

PM10 and PM2.5 particulate pollution are the main indications of low air quality and have the largest impact on human health. The particles are able to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, which can contribute to a number of health problems and disease, including lung cancer and heart disease. 

The provinces have also been recommended to reduce air pollution by providing better controls of technology that creates emissions, such as heating boilers and cars, and to further reduce the amount of coal being used. Local governments will have to draw up plans for improving air quality in order to ensure that anti-pollution methods are being implemented and to set targets for each year.