Green bond rise seen as smog thickens

Underwriter says China may OK more debt issues for environmental projects

China may accelerate approvals of green bonds this year as the nation battles a toxic wave of smog, according to Guotai Junan Securities, the nation's top underwriter of the notes.

Dirty air has led to more than 60 Chinese cities issuing health alerts in recent months, leading to delays to hundreds of flights and encouraging consumers to stay at home.