Beijing, the capital of China, is stepping up its initiative against the growing concern on air pollution in the country.

In fact, the mainland capital is looking at shifting to clean energy from coal this year.

According to Xinhua (via China Daily), the city's 700 villages will make the shift in 2017. With this, its total coal use is expected to decrease by 30 percent. Apart from this, a total of 300,000 vehicles will be phased out as well. 

Like Us on Facebook

These details were cited in the work report of the Beijing government, which was provided to the city congress and political consultative conference.

Beijing Municipal Reform and Development Commission head Lu Yan said China's main district was able to cut back its air pollution problem last year. Accordingly, coal use was reduced by two million tonnes in 2016.

Meanwhile, Lu pointed out that Beijing is trying to achieve its goal of around 60 micrograms from its annual average density of PM 2.5. As explained, PM 2.5 are minute particles that measure a maximum of 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

In the meantime, US News reported about the impact of China's air pollution, particularly smog, to the unhealthy individuals.

While its short-term effect to healthy people is considered reversible, NYU Langone Medical Center professor of environmental medicine Terry Gordon noted that it is a "different story" among the unhealthy ones.

"If you are a healthy person, you have less reason to be concerned," Gordon said. "But if you are elderly or a child with asthma, you probably should be."

A recent report from the World Health Organization revealed that more than one million people died in China in 2012 due to air pollution-related health effects.

Tagschina, Beijing, China smog, China Air Pollution, Beijing Air Pollution