China set to reduce emissions

After news that Beijing has suffered one of the worst ever periods of air pollution, the Chinese government is set to introduce emission reduction measures.

Mainly, the government hopes to reduce levels of PM2.5 particles, among other pollutants in the air.

After liaising with The Ministry of Environmental Protection on Tuesday (January 22nd), the Chinese government on set new emissions reduction targets.

Indeed, China now hopes that by 2013, emissions of chemical oxygen demand and sulfur dioxide will be down by two percent year- on-year, while ammonia nitrogen and nitrogen oxides should be down by 2.5 percent and three percent respectively, state media reported.

The polluting industries will have stricter emission limits, particularly thermal power, steel, chemical and cement industries.

High polluting vehicles will be banned from roads and the ministry will continuously measure the atmosphere to check the levels of pollution.

It has long been presumed that cars are the largest polluters.

Indeed, the Department for Transport commented on the problem.

"Climate Change is recognised as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the World today and it has long been appreciated by governments that reducing the impact of the motor vehicle has an important part to play in addressing this threat," it said.

The emissions of four major pollutants -- sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen - will all be targeted.

Those cities with high air pollution - 30 per cent or more above the national stand - will try to meet standards by 2030.

Cities that are not as heavily polluted should meet the standards by 2020.