China has announced measures to reduce its reliance on coal and set earlier targets to control the choking air pollution that is an increasing source of discontent for its citizens

The government is alarmed by public complaints online as well as the prospect of street protests over pollution. It also sees an economic opportunity in developing and potentially exporting cleaner energy technology. Coal use for heating and industry was a key factor in the “airpocolypse” – several days of thick black haze that blanketed Beijing and the north China plain last winter and brought the issue of air pollution to the fore.

Central to the scheme announced yesterday is a commitment to cut PM10 and PM2.5 – a measure of tiny particulates that are the most dangerous to human health.