Premier declares war on pollution

摘要

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang today vowed to crack down on pollution, saying in a speech to China's Legislature that he was "declaring war" on the problem. Li told the National People's Congress that environmental degradation is "nature's red-light warning against the model of inefficient and blind development." Environmental problems have taken on growing prominence in China as residents have grown increasingly concerned over smog in cities and water contamination. To combat the growing problem, Li said the government will shut down 50,000 coal-fired furnaces, clean up coal-burning power plants and remove 6 million vehicles with the worst emissions from the roads. He also promised action to improve food safety in the country.