China to Close Coal-Burning Plants by 2017

The Atlantic thought that September 11 was a good time to peg a story about Beijing air quality to whether or not the air at the World Trade Center's Ground Zero was better or worse. Although they used an interesting photo of Matt Hope and his air-purifying bicycle, which we featured in our September issue, the peg was hollow and the idea offensive. That would make twice in as many weeks that the venerated publication has been wrong about China. Next, they'll probably compare Beijing air to breathing on Venus.

Regardless, there was some seemingly good news on air quality Thursday, with the announcement of a plan to cut coal consumption in Beijing by 50 percent over the next five years. The plan will also close Beijing's coal-fired power stations, which is expected to reduce PM 2.5 emissions by 25 percent over the same period. The coal power plants will be replaced by gas plants, currently under construction.

Vehicles have been identified as the leading culprits of Beijing's air pollution, contributing 22.2 percent to the city's PM 2.5 emissions. However, the crackdown continues on other seeming sources. Starting next year, outdoor barbecues will be restricted within the Fifth Ring Road, which is about the fifth time we've heard something like this this summer. Vendors will be limited to designated areas within the city, with all grilling to take place indoors by 2016, which just about eliminates the point of grilling in the first place. Support your local chuan'r guy while you can.

Photo: news.xinhuanet.com