‘Money no object’ in China’s war on smog
Premier Li Keqiang says air pollution is urgent health matter and government is willing to spend whatever it takes to tackle problem
The nation is willing to spend as much money as needed in its fight against air pollution, Premier Li Keqiang said.
In an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday, Li spoke about how finding a solution to smog had become an “urgent” matter for people’s health and the quality of their lives.
“Smog has indeed become a matter of concern for everyone,” he said. “We often say that money needs to be spent on crucial things, and this is one of the issues most people eagerly want to be resolved. We will spend however much money needs to be spent.”
In the first three months of the year, the level of PM2.5 particles in Beijing – near the steel factories of Hebei province – spiked by almost 27 per cent compared to last year.
After announcing a special research fund to counter air pollution in March, Li said on Wednesday that the Ministry of Environmental Protection would lead research from across multiple sectors to identify the causes of smog and to find solutions.
Recognising the widespread air quality problems, the Ministry of Finance raised the budget for curbing air pollution by 250 per cent this year, to 40 million yuan (HK$45 million), according to the ministry’s website.