Guangdong is one of the fastest growing economic regions of the country. It is now gearing up to tackle rising pollution levels, especially in the Pearl river delta. Over the next five years, the government is planning to spend up to us $120 billion on pollution control measures. Besides, the government is offering tax breaks and low-interest bank loans to attract foreign investment for fighting pollution.
Guangdong will implement 14 large projects in the delta region during the Ninth Five-Year Plan beginning this year. The projects range from storage depots for radioactive materials to a breeding farm for endangered species in Longguan district. The region depends mainly on coal-fired electricity generators instead of nuclear power.
The rapidly-growing factories in rural areas are another source of pollution. The Guangdong People's Congress will soon introduce environmental legislation to regulate industries and provide a mandate allowing local authorities to set up funds for environmental protection.
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