Report: Some emissions down, but pollution levels rise

An annual report by the Ministry of Environmental Protection found that emissions of three pollutants began to decrease last year, the International Herald Tribune reported. However, total pollution levels in China’s waterways continued to rise, as more pollutants flowed into them. The percentage of coastal waters with the worst possible pollution rating rose from 24.3% to 25.4%, while the proportion deemed in good condition fell from 67.7% to 62.8%. The proportion of extremely polluted cities decreased slightly, while the number with fairly good air quality was unchanged from the year before. The pollutants identified in the report as having declined, including sulfur dioxide, are mainly emitted by factories and power plants controlled by the government.