Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei's multimillion-yuan studies find smog is coming from neighbours
As much as 36 per cent of smog coming from other cities, data shows as officials splurge to find more precise analysis of pollution
Smog-plagued cities Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang have each splashed several million yuan on research that could pinpoint the sources of the toxic pollutant PM2.5 in their air, with initial results showing other cities are a source.
At least another 32 cities on the mainland would conduct similar studies and publish reports by the end of this year, which some experts said would help fine-tune pollution prevention measures, The Beijing News reported today.
Beijing environmental authorities said in April that between 28 and 36 per cent of air pollution was transported from nearby regions, composing the largest source of the city’s notorious smog.
Emissions from vehicles, coal burning and industrial plants respectively contributed to 31, 22, and 18 per cent of locally generated pollution.
Findings on Tianjin and Shijiazhuang’s pollution sources will be released to the public once they are approved by central government, according to the report.
But initial results show both cities have at least 20 per cent of their pollution coming from other cities.