Beijing and Tianjin to Tackle Heavy Pollution

Beijing and Tianjin have drawn up an emergency plan to tackle heavy pollution, under an agreement signed by authorities in the two municipalities on Sunday.

The cities will set up a system to share environmental monitoring data and air quality forecasting warning information on days when there is heavy pollution.

This includes PM 2.5 -- particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter -- and other fine particulate pollutants, to improve air quality in the region.

Beijing and Tianjin have a long history of cooperating with each other, and the agreement is another opportunity to draw on the capital's creative ideas and experience, said Sun Chunlan, Party chief of Tianjin, on Sunday during the signing of the agreement.

The agreement also includes further strengthening pollution control cooperation and exploring cooperation on improving water quality.

The reduction of industrial emissions, increased standards for vehicle fuel, and encouraging clean-energy vehicles have also been discussed under the agreement.