China has laid out a roadmap to curb pollution over the next 40 years as the country’s Environmental Protection Minister warned of huge pressures and a "long and winding" road ahead.
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The three-stage plan, created by academics and experts, sets the first goal as achieving control over the emission of major pollutants and ensuring China’s environmental safety by 2020. By the end of 2030, the emissions volume of all pollutants will be "under full control" and improvements will have been made in overall environmental quality.
Meanwhile, a new action plan for cleaner air was announced by the City of Beijing which, amongst other steps, may outlaw traditional coal stoves in hutongs, lanes lined with traditional courtyard houses, and fume-releasing vehicles things of the past. The Beijing Municipal Clean Air Action Plan (2011-2015) was launched by the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau (BMEPB) and aims to raise the annual proportion days with "Excellent" and "Good" air conditions in the City to 80 percent.
The Shanghai Auto Show saw the motor manufacturers demonstrating their clean air credentials. Around some 45 new environment-friendly vehicles were on show, from hybrids and all-electric cars to fuel cell vehicles, produced by local and overseas auto manufacturers.
China’s leading car maker, SAIC, announced plans to invest $1.9 bn in green vehicles and related parts by 2015. As the company aims for a 20% share of China's energy-efficient-vehicle market, other domestic producers, including Dongfeng Motor Group and Geely, are also working hard to grab a share of the lucrative clean vehicles market.