China to get $300 million for smog efforts

The Asian Development bank has approved its first policy-based loan of 300 million USA dollars to China to help address air pollution problem in Beijing.

The ADB stated that quality of air that was bad had attained this type of degree that was severe that it had been “jeopardising lasting insurance and health development”.

The loan is meant to cut the region’s coal use, among other pollution issues.

The mortgage may target surrounding places and Beijing town including Hebie.

While the smog’s effects have been worsened by weather conditions and the city’s geography – bordered to the south and east by industrial areas that generate pollution and to the north and west by mountains that trap it – it has prompted increasing concern that China has prioritised economic growth at too high an environmental cost.

“[Our] assistance will help reduce emissions and strengthen the environment regulatory framework and capacity of environmental monitoring and enforcement”.

The ADB said the KfW, a German government-supported development bank, also is expected to provide 150 million euros ($175 million) to the Hebei clean air work.

Beijing and four other cities in northern China have issued pollution red alerts.

Meanwhile, Chinese environmental authorities rebuked the mayor of an eastern city over its ineffectual response to days of choking smog, state media said on Thursday, as the government works to show it is capable of tackling an air pollution crisis.

Beijing’s first ever red alert for smog was lifted Thursday, as blue skies and sunshine replaced the thick haze that covered the city for days.

The World Health Organization’s recommended maximum exposure is 25.

Coal-powered industries and heating systems, as well as vehicle emissions and dust from construction sites, all contribute to the smog which has been exacerbated by humidity and a lack of wind.

Despite large investments in renewable sources, the country still depends on coal for more than 60% of its power.