Blue sky shouldn't be a luxury

When asked about how the government will deal with ever-worsening smog at a news conference on Wednesday at the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress, the top legislature, Premier Li Keqiang faced up to the severe environmental challenge China faces, saying the country should transform its development mode so that blue sky will not be a luxury.

Given that the frequent smog is a top concern of the public, how to offer a good ecological environment has become an urgent issue for the government to tackle. Long-time exposure to poisonous air not only endangers people's health, but also weakens the sense of happiness people should have as a result of economic and social development.

Li's words reflect the authorities' people-first approach concerning the environment issue.