China to Tighten Air Quality Rules That Have Helped Slash Smog.

China is set to implement its first major tightening of national air quality standards since 2012, aiming to enhance its anti-pollution efforts. New limits on various pollutants will be phased in starting March, with stricter regulations to take effect by January 1, 2031, including a reduction of the annual PM2.5 limit from 35 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment states that these measures are intended to reduce health risks and align with international standards, although they remain less stringent than World Health Organization recommendations. Despite significant improvements in air quality since 2013, approximately 60% of China's cities still exceed the upcoming PM2.5 standard. [Extracted from the article]