China's Political Season: Minister of Ecology and Environment gives address

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Air pollution is seen as one of the biggest challenges to China. At the Two Sessions, the country's Minister of Ecology and Environment laid out key measures to protect the environment. Our reporter, Wang Hui, explains the details.

China's progress in curbing air pollution lies in the numbers.

In 338 cities nationwide, the proportion of good air quality days reached nearly 80%, up 1.3 % from a year ago.

The PM 2.5 concentration decreased 9% overall and 12% in Beijing.

To better cope with air pollution, China continues to troubleshoot the main causes.

LI GANJIE MINISTER OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT "The main problem is the emission of air pollutants. They come from four main sources, industry, burning coal, vehicles, and dust. They account for at least 90% of all air pollutants."

Li says they've also found out the composition of the PM 2.5, a kind of fine particle in the air harmful to people's health.

The mix includes Nitrate, sulfate, ammonium salt and organic particles, making up to 70% of PM 2.5.

The conclusion will provide a clearer guide for future work.

LI GANJIE MINISTER OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT "The key to tackling air pollution is to optimize the four 'structures'. Those are the structures of industry, energy, transportation and land utility. All related parties will be expected to unite to take actions efficiently and jointly to prevent and control air pollution."

China plans to use more natural gas and electricity to replace coal, and more railways to replace highways for cargo transportation. Wang Hui, CGTN, Beijing."