Don't blame coal for the smog

[By Zhai Haijun/China.org.cn]

In recent years China's economic growth has been driven by substantial infrastructure spending. A lot has been spent on developing tall buildings, high-speed rail and power grids. The achievements are worthy of recognition. However, all these activities need a lot of steel and cement, which are actually produced by coal.

As the environmental capacity is limited, we should put the previous development mode into question. In fact, the smog is a clear indication from nature. People should revere nature. We may get punished if we simply turn a blind eye to the signals nature sends us.

We should not always rely on energy-guzzling heavy industries, such as steel and cement, to maintain high GDP growth. In many cities, commercial property is ensuring a rise in vacancies. Such growth contributes little to the people's welfare. It's meaningless to play on the numbers.

In the face of increasing air pollution, we must revisit our energy security strategy. In addition to the use of coal, we should take all aspects into consideration and increase China's overall national strength.

Energy use is like a continuous function, which involves a gradual process. It's unrealistic to put a sudden stop to the coal use. On the premise of ensuring the country's economy functions steadily, the priority should be on developing and increasing the use of clean coal.