Slower economic growth results in less air pollution

Slower economic expansion in the first half of 2014 has helped some regions in China perform better in fulfilling goals for energy saving and cutting emissions, according to a report released by the National Development and Reform Commission on Monday.

Fujian, Hainan and Qinghai provinces, and Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions received red-light warnings for insufficient action in conserving energy in the first half of the year, the report said. The rest of the regions have made basically smooth progress toward their energy-saving goals.

The outcome is in line with the regions' economic performance in the first six months, said Li Junfeng, director general of National Center of Climate Change Strategy Research.