Green subsidies necessary

Beijing's decision to reintroduce subsidies for energy-saving household appliances is a welcome step to enhance its residents' awareness of environmental protection and energy conservation.

Yet such green subsidies need to be further increased and well-targeted to help the city deal with its mounting environmental challenges.

Last week, Beijing announced that, in the coming three years, local consumers will enjoy a subsidy of up to 800 yuan ($125) for each of nine types of energy-efficient appliances; the subsidy varying from 8 to 20 percent in accordance with different energy efficiency grades.