Shanghai unveils pollution combat plan

Shanghai aims to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 by 20 percent in five years, according to Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan (2013-17) that the municipal government unveiled on Friday.

The plan included targets for pollution prevention in six sectors - energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture and social life - and 187 measures, such as reducing total consumption of coal and promoting the use of clean energy.

“The frequency of heavy pollution will be significantly reduced in 2017. The air quality will tally with residents’ feelings and expectations as well as the general qualifications of an international metropolis,” Wu Qizhou, deputy director of Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau told the news conference.

Statistics from the bureau showed the average of the current concentration of PM2.5 in Shanghai is 56, which meets the national standard of 75 micrograms per cubic meter.

The annual average of the concentration of SO2 (sulfur dioxide) decreased by 58 percent in Shanghai last year, and PM10 fell by 19 percent, compared to 2007.