| Census to Measure China's Pollution | 13 March 08 |
 A nationwide census of polluters in the China has begun. The census will focus on industrial, agricultural and residential pollution. China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and Ministry of Agriculture will conduct the 'million census', covering 333 cities and 2,895 'counties'. Data collected is to provide a clear picture of China's pollution problem and help government develop new policies. China officials warn companies will be punished if amounts and kinds of pollutants are not accurately reported. Companies and institutions are promised immunity from pollution fines or prosecution for data provided. China is facing environmental deterioration resulting from rapid economic development. According to SEPA, sulfur dioxide emissions in 2005 were 27.8 percent higher than in 2000, 26 percent of surface water is totally unusable due to pollution, and 62 percent is unsuitable for fish. The census is another of China's environmental efforts, which include banning plastic bags and regulating car emissions, in order to meet the World Health Organization's air quality standards in Beijing for the Olympic games. View March 8, 2008 United Press International article View February 27, 2008 BBC News article View February 29, 2008 BBC News article View February 26, 2008 BBC News article View January 10, 2008 China View article View January 5, 2008 China Daily article Sources: United Press International, BBC News, China View, China Daily |
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