Coal is once again under the spotlight as winter's chill approaches.
Emissions of four major pollutants in China saw a year-on-year decrease of 2 to 3 percent in the first half of 2013, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
An inspection campaign on how air pollution is being controlled will be launched in key areas of China.
Regions that fail the 2012 water pollution control examination will have their project approvals suspended for one year, according to a notification released by the Environmental Protection Ministry on Wednesday.
Expressways, schools and an airport remained closed on Tuesday in Northeast China's Harbin city due to lingering heavy smog.
Vehicles will be restricted on the roads and schools closed on days when there is heavy smog in Shanghai, under a plan released by the municipal government, China Youth Daily reported.
A heavy smog shrouded Northeast China's Harbin city on Monday for the second straight day, forcing the closure of schools and highways.
Despite Wang Zhangyi's excitement for a school-organized autumn outing on Friday, a trip he had been looking forward to for weeks, his mother was nothing but reluctant and anxious.
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.
A deal signed with London this week to help tackle air pollution in Beijing is the latest in a string of moves to solve pollution problems via international cooperation.
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The Beijing Municipal Government will soon issue an emergency response program requiring alternate driving days for cars with even- and odd-numbered license plates in case of lingering smog.
Fumes let off during cooking at home can be linked with respiratory issues, including cancer, but more research needs to be done to determine the effect on air pollution levels, according to medical experts.