China announce another plan to tackle air pollution

China appears to have done a U-turn when it comes to air pollution, in comparison to its attitude in previous years. As the largest user of coal in the world, the country has often refused to tackle the vast amounts of greenhouse gas emissions it creates annually. However, this year China has pledged to do more in the fight against climate change and has begun to implement several plans of action.

As well as the country's recent launch of the pilot carbon cap across certain cities, Beijing has now launched the 'Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan' in an attempt to reduce the amount of PM 2.5 particles in the air - particulate matter that measures under 2.5 micrometres - according to the China Daily newspaper. The 1.7 trillion yuan (£180 billion) project will work to reduce this form of air pollution by 25 per cent - compared to levels recorded in 2012 - before 2017, specifically within northern China.

This form of pollution is particularly hazardous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and respiratory system and has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and lung cancer. Areas such as Beijing, Hebei province and Tianjin will be at the centre of the plan, due in part to the high levels of smog often experienced in these regions.

Zhao Hualin, senior official at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, told the news provider: "The thick smog and haze that covered large areas of the country in January has focused public attention on this issue."

Although the government has announced that a plan is going to be put in place and that it will reduce air pollution, no details have as yet been given on how exactly this will be achieved.

As well as this new plan to battle the PM 2.5 air pollution in the country, the Chinese government also has a further two plans to implement in an effort to address the increasing levels of water pollution and to improve rural areas over the course of the next five years.