Multiple members of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, (CPPCC), have suggested that efforts be intensified in fighting against water and air pollution as well as for ecological rehabilitation. This is consistent with the highlight of this year’s government report presented during the ongoing Two Sessions.
Liu Bingjiang of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment stated that while Beijing’s success in eliminating pollution in 2021 is a good example, more work is needed to strengthen regional cooperation.
Beijing has achieved a major breakthrough in fighting persistent air pollution. According to Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, the average concentrations of PM2.5 and Ozone have dropped significantly to the level II national standard in 2021. This is the first time Beijing has managed to control all pollutants at the national level.
Liu said that although it was an encouraging step at this point, there is still much to do. “Air pollution continues to be a problem in northern cities even after unfavorable weather has occurred.” However, stronger efforts are needed to address the problem long-term.
Ma Quanlin is the deputy director of Gansu Desert Control Research Institute. He has been involved in sand control for many years. He suggested that the strategic plan of ecological protection for the Yellow River should include the prevention of desertification. Also, the compensation mechanism must be improved in order to achieve the common development of ecology and economy.
Ma believes it is a win/win strategy to further strengthen international cooperation with Mongolia.
Jin Xian, China-Republic of Korea Friendship Association, has placed his emphasis on rural environmental protection. He proposed to create a sound drainage system that can channel household discharge.
He believes that market-driven utilization could solve the problem of residual crop burning.
Jin said that there are many matured technologies but it is difficult for them to promote. Jin also stated that the corn stalks are very cheap and the transport fees are high. They would rather sell for profit than burn them. Increasing subsidies to farmers could encourage them to manage agricultural waste in an environmentally-friendly manner.
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