China gets heavy bill to clean up air quality

In order to clean up China's air pollution crisis, the country will have to pay around 1.75 trillion yuan (£177 billion). Wang Jinnan, deputy head of the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, has said China has a large bill to foot in order to deal with its current air quality crisis.

China has experienced drastic levels of air pollution in recent years, with its heavy smog dominating the news several months out of the year. But the country has this year pledged to take steps to reduce emissions in a bid to improve air quality, especially in urban areas.

According to Mr Wang, the money is part of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Plan that the company has implemented, and although it seems like a large bill, it will save China money in the long run. 

Of the 1.75 trillion yuan, 37 per cent will be used to clean up industrial practices in a bid to reduce emissions, reports the Chinese news agency Xinhua. Many of China's factories are coal-powered, resulting in heavy levels of pollution. 

As coal is the primary source of energy in the country, 28 per cent of the money will be used in the development of alternative and cleaner energy sources. This could reduce the number of smoggy days - in which many residents are advised not to venture outside due to the conditions that could damage health - especially heading into the winter when coal-powered heating automatically turns on in many of the cities.

Around 210 billion yuan will be put towards creating cleaner-running vehicles and cars that are more sustainable, reports the news agency.

As well as creating cleaner air for citizens, the work paid for by the money will see a growth in the job market, with over two million roles being created throughout the country. It will also help to reduce the number of premature deaths linked to air pollution, which in 2011 measured at around 250,000.