China faces 'serious' environmental challenges(2)

HOW TO MAKE BIGGER CHANGEs?

A better legal system, stricter supervision and focus on environmental protection, even if economic growth will be affected in the short term, have been promised.

The top legislature in April approved the revised law on environmental protection, which stipulates that environmental protection is a basic policy of the country, and prioritizes protection over economic development.

Zhou Shengxian wants to improve the legal system to establish more strict supervision of environment issues, and address pollution of water, air and soil through legal means.

Li Ganjie told the press conference that the ministry sees water, air and soil pollution as its major tasks for the coming years, adding that action plans will address water and soil pollution as soon as possible.Better handling of interplay between economic development and environmental protection, are also needed. Li believes the two are not contradictory, as long as an environmentally friendly outlook is held.

A pleasing environment and ecosystem are quality assets of a place that can help attract advanced production factors, especially in high-tech industries, Li said.

Although economic development and GDP growth may be affected by stricter environmental protection in the short term, it is conducive to the quality and sustainable economic and social development in the long term, he added.