China's Polluted Lands to Be Revived by 2020

(photo: Pixabay)
By Mei ManuelFebruary 5th, 2018

On Monday, Chinese environment minister Li Ganjie shared that China will be attempting to revive 90% of its contaminated farmlands for crops by the end of 2020 and issue new rules regarding development on the country's lands.

According to Li and as cited by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in its website, China would be conducting a detailed investigation regarding soil pollution in the country and launch pilot zones that would serve as test areas for soil pollution prevention and treatment technologies.

China has been campaigning against pollution since 2014, coming up with various means to reverse the damage caused by its development to its sky, rivers and soil. In terms of soil pollution, a survey in 2013 reported that at least 8 million acres of Chinese farmland are polluted and cannot be used for crops. The survey also cited that the country would need 1 trillion yuan to bring the soil back to its original state.

Meanwhile, Li also said that China would also be cutting down "below grade V" water which cannot be used for irrigation and other uses by 5% by the end of 2020. Currently, this type of water amounts to 8.8% percent in 2017. China is also concerned with its water supply and hopes to bring 80% of its water supply to grade III or better, which is fit for human consumption, by the end of the current decade.

In terms of the country's campaign against air pollution, a five-year action plan is currently enforced to combat smog and the government aims to create its targets for 2018-2020. China also will be aiming to increase "good air days" in 338 major cities and cut down PM2.5 by 18%.

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