Smog in China
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The air pollution levels in the sky over Tiananmen Square during the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing are seen in this combination file picture taken on the dates March 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 (L-R) in 2013. (REUTERS/Wei Yao/Files)
(REUTERS)
An electronic screen is seen on a building amid heavy smog in Shenyang, Liaoning province in this October 28, 2013 file photo. (REUTERS/Stringer/Files)
(REUTERS)
A man exercises in the morning as he faces chimneys emitting smoke behind buildings across the Songhua river in Jilin in this February 24, 2013 file photo. (REUTERS/Stringer/Files)
(REUTERS)
Smoke rises from chimneys and cooling towers of a thermal power plant during sunrise in Fushun, Liaoning province March 6, 2014. (REUTERS/Stringer)
(REUTERS)
In this photo taken Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, an artistic rendering functioning as an advertisement of a residential real estate project is displayed on a severely polluted day in Shijiazhuang, in northern China's Hebei province. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)
Tourists in masks use mobile phone cameras to snap shots of themselves during a heavily polluted day on Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Beijing's skyscrapers receded into a dense gray smog Thursday as the capital saw the season's first wave of extremely dangerous pollution, with the concentration of toxic small particles registering more than two dozen times the level considered safe. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)
A tourist takes photos during a heavily polluted day on Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Beijing's skyscrapers receded into a dense gray smog Thursday as the capital saw the season's first wave of extremely dangerous pollution, with the concentration of toxic small particles registering more than two dozen times the level considered safe. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan)
A tourist with a protective mask takes a self-portrait at the Bund under heavy haze in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
The skyline of the Lujiazui Financial District with the high-rise buildings is covered with heavy smog in Pudong in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
A tourist with a protective mask watches the buildings at the Bund under heavy haze in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
The Shanghai Tower under construction, left, is seen with other skyscrapers, Jinmao Tower, center, and Shanghai World Financial Center, right, in the haze in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Tourists wear masks to protect from smog in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
The skyline of the Lujiazui Financial District with the high-rise buildings is covered with heavy smog in Pudong in Shanghai, China, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The dirty air that has gripped Shanghai and its neighboring provinces for days is attributed to coal burning, car exhaust, factory pollution and weather patterns, and is a stark reminder that pollution is a serious challenge in China. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
An electronic screen and buildings are seen amid heavy smog at the financial district of Pudong in Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT CITYSCAPE SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
Models wearing masks present jewellery on a runway at a jewellery fair on a hazy day in Nanjing, Jiangsu province December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Stringer (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS FASHION ENTERTAINMENT) CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA
(REUTERS)
Part of the roof of a building is seen at People's Square during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
A man wears a face mask while walking his pet dog on a street during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
A man stands on the Bund in front of the financial district of Pudong during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
A man wears two face masks while walking on a street during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
A man wears a face mask while walking on the Bund in front of the financial district of Pudong during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
(REUTERS)
A man wears a face mask while walking on the Bund during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
Local residents wait on motorcycles and bicycles at a traffic junction during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 6, 2013. China's stability-obsessed leadership has become increasingly concerned by the abysmal air quality in cities, as it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world's second-largest economy. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY TRANSPORT)
(REUTERS)
Buildings and cars are seen in the haze in downtown Shanghai December 2, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT)
(REUTERS)
A man walks past a coal plant amidst a dust storm in Lingwu, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in this March 29, 2011 file photo. A choking smog across much of northern China threatens not just the health of local residents, but also of major coal projects globally that are still on the drawing board. Beijing's plans to tackle pollution largely target coal-fired power, which will hit already slowing demand in the world's top importer of the fuel. To match story CHINA-COAL/ REUTERS/Stringer/Files (CHINA - Tags: ENERGY ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT) CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA
(REUTERS)
Smoke rises from a chimney of a cogeneration plant in Beijing November 25, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (CHINA - Tags: ENERGY)
(REUTERS)
People wear masks while walking on a street during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 2, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT)
(REUTERS)
People wear masks while walking on a bridge in front of Shanghai's financial district of Pudong during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 3, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT)
(REUTERS)
Residents wearing face masks use their mobile phones on a pedestrian overpass on a hazy day at the Pudong financial area in Shanghai, December 6, 2013. Commentaries by two of China's most influential news outlets suggesting that an ongoing air pollution crisis was not without a silver lining drew a withering reaction on Tuesday from internet users and other media. The Global Times said smog could be useful in military situations, as it could hinder the use of guided missiles, while CCTV listed five "unforeseen rewards" for smog, including helping Chinese people's sense of humor. (REUTERS/Aly Song)
(REUTERS/Aly Song)
A worker smashes coal as he prepares to burn limestone at a nearby furnace inside a limestone mine in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, in this October 12, 2012 file photo. A choking smog across much of northern China threatens not just the health of local residents, but also of major coal projects globally that are still on the drawing board. Beijing's plans to tackle pollution largely target coal-fired power, which will hit already slowing demand in the world's top importer of the fuel. To match story CHINA-COAL/ REUTERS/Stringer/Files (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY EMPLOYMENT) CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA
(REUTERS)
A boy wearing a mask is seen on a street during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 3, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT)
(REUTERS)
Smoke rises from the chimneys of a thermal power plant during a hazy day in Nantong, Jiangsu province, December 4, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY)
(REUTERS)
A woman wearing a mask walks on a bridge during a hazy day in downtown Shanghai December 5, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT POLITICS)
(REUTERS)
Residents wearing masks ride their electric bicycles on a street amid heavy haze in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province December 5, 2013. China will launch two new pilot carbon trading schemes this week in Beijing and Shanghai as it strives to cut soaring rates of greenhouse gas, reduce choking smog and determine the best system for a nationwide roll-out. REUTERS/China Daily (CHINA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT SOCIETY POLITICS) CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA
(REUTERS)
A woman wears a surgical mask while walking towards an escalator on a bridge during a hazy day in Shanghai's financial district of Pudong December 5, 2013. Hazardous air pollution forced schools to shut or suspend outdoor activities in at least two cities in eastern China, where residents complained of the yellow skies and foul smells that are symtomatic of the country's crippling smog crisis. Nanjing suspended classes in primary and secondary schools and Qingdao banned outdoor activities, said the official Xinhua news agency. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT)
(REUTERS)
A man plays violin as he roller-skates on a square on a hazy day in Nanjing, Jiangsu province December 5, 2013. Hazardous air pollution forced schools to shut or suspend outdoor activities in at least two cities in eastern China, where residents complained of the yellow skies and foul smells that are symptomatic of the country's crippling smog crisis. In Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, the sun was the colour of "salted egg yolk" on Wednesday as the government raised the "red alert" for poor air quality for the first time, state-run news media reported. REUTERS/China Daily (CHINA - Tags: EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY) CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA
(REUTERS)
A man wears a mask while while walking on a bridge during a hazy night in Shanghai's financial district of Pudong December 5, 2013. Hazardous air pollution forced schools to shut or suspend outdoor activities in at least two cities in eastern China, where residents complained of the yellow skies and foul smells that are symtomatic of the country's crippling smog crisis. Nanjing suspended classes in primary and secondary schools and Qingdao banned outdoor activities, said the official Xinhua news agency. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS)
(REUTERS)
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The air pollution levels in the sky over Tiananmen Square during the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing are seen in this combination file picture taken on the dates March 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 (L-R) in 2013. (REUTERS/Wei Yao/Files)
(REUTERS)
The skies of China's notoriously smog-filled cities saw a marginal improvement last year, according to figures released by Greenpeace Thursday, but pollution remained far above national and international standards.
China's cities are often hit by heavy pollution, blamed on coal-burning by power stations and industry, as well as vehicle use, and it has become a major source of discontent with the ruling Communist Party.
Retired senior officials have acknowledged that it may kill as many as half a million people a year. (AFP)
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