The central government's upcoming action plan for air pollution control will not only improve air quality but also help upgrade China's industrial structure, according to an expert.
"Once the action plan for the prevention and control of atmospheric pollution is carried out and strictly implemented, we will witness a rapid upgrade of the industrial structure in the fields of steel, architecture, electricity and heating supply," says Chai Fahe, vice-president of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.
Chai made the remarks during a forum on air pollution ahead of the closing ceremony of the Eco-Forum Global Annual Conference on July 21 in Guiyang, Guizhou province.
Zhou Shengxian, minister of environmental protection, said on Saturday that the ministry is to announce an action plan drawn up by the State Council around the end of this month.
The action plan mainly focuses on the control of PM 2.5 - particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that is harmful to human health - and covers controls for overcapacity and energy structure upgrades to fight against pollution, Zhou said.
