10 benefits in people's livelihood expected in 2017

8 Density of PM 2.5 will be lowered markedly in key areas

The government will take measures to cut sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 3 percent year-on-year and reduce the density of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in key areas.

In order to achieve air quality improvements, the government will work faster to address coal burning. More than three million households will shift to electricity or natural gas as a replacement for coal in 2017, and all small coal-fired furnaces in cities will be shut down.

In addition, the country will upgrade its coal-fired power plants to achieve ultra-low emissions. Upgrading should be completed this year in eastern region, next year in the central region, and by 2020 in the western region.

A turret of the Forbidden City under blue sky in Beijing in this photo taken on July 12, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]