In the first half of the year, the PM2.5 concentration in Jiangsu decreased 3.0% year-on-year to 35.8 micrograms per cubic meter and the share of days with good air quality stood at 74.8%, 2.5 percentage points higher compared to the same period last year, according to a government report delivered at the fourth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress on July 26.
The province has made new progress in pollution prevention and control around key areas during the six months. For example, the frequency of blue-green algae bloom in Taihu Lake was 32 times less compared to the same period last year, with both the average area and maximum area reduced by 94.0% and 99.1% respectively.
To realize the goal of eliminating heavy air pollution by 2025, Jiangsu is focusing on containing PM2.5 and ozone pollution in a coordinated way. These efforts include transformation at steel and cement enterprises across the board to achieve ultra-low carbon emissions, flue gas denitrification at coal-fired power plants, technical enhancement at biomass power plants, boiler upgrades, and eco-friendly initiatives in the glass and coal chemical industries. Furthermore, the province has promoted the use of cleaner raw materials in shipbuilding, furniture manufacturing and other sectors. In the first six months, Jiangsu also implemented campaigns to fight against noise and odor pollution.
(CFP Photo)
In implementing the 10-year fishing ban on the key waters of the Yangtze River basin, Jiangsu investigated and handled 1,175 cases in total, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the water environment.
Jiangsu also carried out soil pollution studies at plots previously used by enterprises that are now closed or relocated, in an effort to better manage soil pollution risks.
In addition, Jiangsu has consistently improved its legal and regulatory system for environmental protection. The provincial legislature is currently reviewing a regulation on ecological and environmental protection and will include the biodiversity protection regulation on the agenda next year. Two regulations, one on solid waste and the other on noise pollution prevention and control, is being carried forward in accordance with the legislative plan.
