China sets new targets in fight against pollution

China has set new targets in its fight against pollution, as it aims to strike a balance between humans and nature.

Yang Ganjie, the Minister of Environmental Protection, revealed during a press conference held at the 19th CPC National Congress that the country wants to make notable achievements in the reduction of pollution by 2020, as well as realising a fundamental improvement in its ecological environment by 2035, thepaper.com reports. 

According to Yang, all 338 cities now being monitored should have 80 percent good-air-quality days by 2020, with “fundamental improvement” meaning PM2.5 density is reduced to 35 microgrammes per cubic metre in terms of air quality – even in critically polluted areas. 

As for the relationship between environmental protection and economic development, Yang believes there can be a positive correlation in the long run. From a macro perspective, he noted that the unemployment rate had not declined despite the closure of pollution emitting factories in recent years. 

Yang’s remarks reflect President Xi Jinping’s report at the opening session of the 19th Party Congress. Xi pledged to speed up reforms on ecological civilisation systems and build a “beautiful China”.