China Announces Plan To Curb Air Pollution

China consumes around half of the coal consumed in the world.  This has created a highly visible air pollution problem as well as a health problems.  Consequently, the government has taken some steps to address this problem.  This article describes some of the programs that have been put in place to reduce air pollution.  The plan has been criticized by some environmentalists in China as being too weak.  China has invested heavily in the use of coal to provide energy for its rapidly growing industrial system.  It will not be easy for the government to limit the use of coal as long as it is an essential resource in its industrial policy.