Environment information matters

After a local petroleum chemical plant in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, introduced a public air quality monitoring system for its production area last year, people's concerns about emissions from the plant have decreased significantly.

In introducing the public-accessible air monitoring system, the Chengdu plant has taken a big stride toward making the environment quality of its operations transparent. The plant's initiative is a good example that others can follow.

The authorities have never stopped making steps toward greater openness on environmental issues to mitigate people's concerns. In a recent document aimed at promoting government information disclosure, the State Council, China's Cabinet, stressed the need to publicize environmental policy measures and make progress in protecting and cleaning up the environment, especially air pollution.