Air pollution plagued many developed countries during their economic development. China faces the same problem. To eliminate pollution in the air, we first need to change the country's economic structure.

Much needs to be done to ensure more sustainable use of resources. The promotion of renewable resources faces great challenges. The progress of resource replacement is comparatively slow, and environmental protection in many areas remains poor.

Since the reform and opening-up was launched 30-odd years ago there have been some breakthroughs in the market-oriented reform of the resources industry, but the reforms are far from complete. The dual nature of the planned and market-oriented resources system hinders structural adjustment of the industry.

Market-oriented reform of the resources industry could start by advancing market-oriented reform of the oil and gas industrial chain, further deepening reform of the electricity system, comprehensively propelling reform of State-owned enterprises and deepening reform of project examination and approval. Supervision over energy-saving and environmental protection efforts also needs to be strengthened.