Beijing plans to cut coal use by 30 per cent to fight air pollution
The capital has been engulfed in thick smog for days at a time throughout the winter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beijing will intensify its battle against choking air pollution this year and aims to cut coal use by 30 percent, state news agency Xinhua cited the mayor, Cai Qi, as saying.
Despite repeated pledges to get tough, large parts of northern and central China have been engulfed in thick smog again this winter, often for days at a time, disrupting flights, port operations and schools.
Mr Cai said the government will take even more steps this year, including cutting coal use by helping residents of 700 villages to use clean energy, Xinhua reported.
“We will try to basically realise zero coal use in six major districts and in Beijing’s southern plain areas this year,” Mr Cai said.
“We will slash coal use by 30 percent to less than seven million tonnes in 2017,” he added.
Beijing will also remove 300,000 old vehicles from the roads this year and promote the use of new energy cars, Xinhua said.
Mr Cai added that better regional coordination was needed.
“It is an urgent task for Beijing and its neighbouring areas to work together and improve air quality in the region.”
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments