China 'pays for pollution'

Chinese people are paying a price for the country's heavy environmental pollution with their own health, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) warns.

>>>China admits to underestimate the level of pollution

Chimneys discharged from factories cause pollution
the air is more serious in China. (Photo: Chinahush.com )

"Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people are affected by respiratory diseases and premature death compared to poor air quality," said Achim Steiner, UNEP's chief executive.

"Chinese society is having to pay dearly for rising health care costs and reduced labor productivity , " he added.

The current situation of air pollution in China has caused many fierce struggles of people. Last week Chinese officials were forced to admit that the level of pollution in Beijing was underestimated.

A recent study conducted by the Chinese government shows that 10% of agricultural land in this country contains heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium with concentrations exceeding safety standards. These metals can cause damage in the nervous system, reproductive system and kidneys, as well as cause other health complications, especially in children.

Facing this situation, the Chinese government is setting policies to make the country cleaner and greener. Last year, China invested $ 49 billion in "green economy". This is the largest investment in the world today and it may increase next year.

The UNEP report with the heading "Towards a greener future" shows that human species must invest 2% of global GDP to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.

Steiner, for example, if people invest in solar water heaters, the installation costs will be expensive but they will save money and energy.