China is emitting the most SO2 in the world

China has become the world's largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2), with more than half of its emissions coming from coal-fired power plants.

SO ₂ emissions from a factory (Photo: savanna.ntu.edu.au) According to the report of the National Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the amount of SO ₂ released has increased by 27% during the period from 2000 to 2005.

The report said each ton of emissions damaged China's economy by 20,000 yuan ($ 2,500). The country's total economic losses in 2005 amounted to more than US $ 62 billion when SO ₂ emissions amounted to 25 million tons.

'Air pollution, especially acid rain, is the result of achieving the goal of building a prosperous society in every way,' the report said.

Acid rain - polluting the soil and poisoning rivers and lakes - is flowing down on more than a third of China's land. In some areas, including many districts of rich coastal provinces, Fujian and Zhejiang, 100% of the rain is considered toxic.

In an effort to curb this situation, SEPA signed a series of documents with the six largest power companies, with total SO ₂ emissions accounting for more than 60% of the country, in order to demand these companies reduce emissions to regulated levels.

WALL VY