Environmental authorities in the Chinese capital of Beijing are expecting an improved quality of air in the city, but that will not take place until 2030.

Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection Head Pan Tao said the Chinese capital’s particulate matter (PM2.5), a measure of air pollution, is expected to drop to no more than 35 micrograms per cubic meter, a recognized safe level, by 2030.

Like Us on Facebook

“It will not be an easy task but we are expecting to turn the ship around,” said Pan during the 2014 Beijing International Academic Symposium on Urban Environment.

In 2013, Beijing’s PM2.5 was measured at 89.5 micrograms per cubic meter, or more nearly triple above the standard, the Beijing Environmental Protection said.

According to the World Health Organization, PM2.5 concentration should not be more than 35 because air quality with a higher PM2.5 reading is unhealthy and could cause heart and lung illnesses.

For 2017, Beijing targets to lower the PM2.5 to 60 micrograms per cubic meter and reduce it regularly to reach 35 by 2030.

Pan said “The PM2.5 target of 60 microgram per cubic meter is still not healthy to the people and yet achieving that goal is a tough challenge”.

The key to improving the current air quality in Beijing, said Pan, lies in emission reduction.

The Chinese capital has been battling air pollution over the years but the quality of air remains unhealthy, triggering the transfer of businesses and enterprises to other provinces and cities.

China last year imposed several measures to curb emission, including the shutting down of at least 2,000 manufacturing plants that were producing heavy pollution.

The capital also imposed a total ban on outdoor barbecuing and urged car owners to take their vehicles off the road to cut emission.

Based on a recent survey of foreign investors and businessmen in the city, the air pollution is one of the major factors why workers quit their job and seek opportunities in other cities, especially in Shanghai.

TagsChina Air Pollution, Beijing Air Pollution, Beijing Pollution