Output versus emissions improves by 52.3%

The output value of each cubic meter of waste water or gas discharged in China increased by 52.3 percent from last year to 1.60 yuan ($0.25), suggesting the economy has become more efficient, said a report released on Sunday.

The report, compiled by the World Economy Research Center of Beijing Technology and Business University, calculated the ratio of regional nominal GDP to the annual amount of pollutants discharged in 300 cities and provinces in China.

By far, Beijing was the greatest emitter, having an output value of 5.31 yuan for each cubic meter of its discharges.

Lowest in the ranking were the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Shanxi province, the average output value per unit was less than 0.2 yuan.

The survey suggested that heavy emissions of industrial fumes have become more common in China since 2007.

The quick development of China's western region has worsened environmental pollution and ecological destruction.