China admits ‘grave need’ to cut pollution

China’s prime minister has taken personal charge of efforts to repair the country’s disastrous environmental record, after they were repeatedly blocked by local government officials obsessed with economic growth.

Wen Jiabao’s decision to head a new task force focusing on the environment was made at a meeting of the state council, the country’s cabinet, state media reported yesterday.
“China is in grave need of cutting energy consumption and pollution,” a spokesman said quoting Mr Wen. He also admitted that Beijing was already failing to meet targets set less than two years ago.

The announcement followed three major setbacks in a week for China’s plans to shift its focus from economic growth to so-called “sustainable development”, including leaner and more efficient use of resources such as oil, coal and water.

Telegraph