Fight against smog ramps up

After decades of breakneck economic development, China is being plagued with choking pollution on an unprecedented scale. The smog over many cities reached new levels in the run-up to Chinese New Year on 31 January, creating havoc for holiday travellers. The government advised citizens to refrain from using fireworks and to stay indoors. But change is in the air. On 12 February, China’s cabinet announced that the government will implement a series of measures aimed at shifting the primary energy source from coal to natural gas and renewables. Read more.