CCTV9英语新闻：PM2.5 levels down 14.1 percent in 2015（在线收听）

Among many things, water pollution prevention and control was strengthened. The percentage of water rated at level 5 grade, which is the lowest grade, decreased 6.8 percent. 

Also, daily waste water treatment capacities for cities and towns increased 11 million tons last year to 182 million tons.

Officials are cracking down on harmful chemical emissions by phasing out over-polluting cars and upgrading emission heavy coal-fired power plants.

Minister Chen said the goals set for emissions reductions for the 12th five-year plan period were achieved ahead of schedule. Now, another big topic that also has people talking is the PM2.5 air pollution in China's major cities.

China's top environment official says blues skies are gradually returning to the country's big cities thanks to strenuous efforts to clean the air.

"Last year there were positive changes to the number of good air quality days, the number of heavy air pollution days and the overall level of PM2.5 annually. Of the 74 cities that enforced the new air quality standards last year, Pm2.5 levels were down 14.1 percent year on year," Chen said.

The public has long been debating the main cause of urban air pollution. Chen says the answer lies in the country's excessive reliance on coal, especially among civilians, many of whom burn low-quality coal that can emit pollutants several times higher than that of industries.

"Air pollution in China is caused largely by our energy structure, where the burning of coal takes up a large percentage. In the 13th five-year plan the government stresses raising energy efficiency and reforming the energy structure. Therefore, we will step up the promotion of clean coal," he said.

Chen says that the government is stepping up the game in environmental protection this year.

"We will make sure local governments do not deliberately protect local polluting entities and intervene with environmental inspections. We will also better manage across districts and areas," he said.