The fourth and last remaining major coal power plant fueling the Chinese capital’s electric grid will be closed in 2016 and be replaced by a natural gas facility. The first one was closed last year, followed by two more last week. Analysts expect the move will mean cutting annual carbon emissions by 30 million tons. The trend is nationwide as China is moving forward with its plan to close more than 2,000 smaller coal mines from 2013 to the end of this year, while boosting hydro, solar and wind. The booming nation, which has been producing 64% of its electricity from coal, is now intent on addressing the public health hazard caused by air pollution as a result of the rapid growth of its industrial activity, urban developmeent and energy use. Next on the list of Beijing’s authorities: closing polluting companies and reducing cement production capacity.
Beijing moves beyond coal to fight pollution
More of Today's Solutions
The Ocean Cleanup removed a record 25 million kilos of plastic in 2025 (and t...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where the scale of plastic pollution can feel overwhelming, 2025 brought a milestone worth celebrating: ...
Read MoreAncient nits aid uncovering of human ancestry
To uncover information about ancient genomes scientists have previously relied on fossils of bones and teeth. Alongside ethical issues, the problem with this is ...
Read MoreAlways late? Here’s 7 tips to curb the habit
We’ve all run late before, whether it was because of a missed alarm, couldn't find the right outfit, or getting stuck in traffic. It ...
Read MoreHow Uruguay achieved 98% renewable energy
During the 2000s, as global fossil fuel costs skyrocketed, Uruguay faced a tremendous issue. Uruguay, as a country heavily reliant on foreign oil, found ...
Read More
