Korea, China to hold talks on smog crisis

Korean and Chinese experts are to meet in Beijing next week to discuss measures to fight acrid smog, according to the Ministry of Environment.

A taskforce of 10 experts from concerned organizations is to meet with the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection on Dec. 12, to solve problems involving toxic airborne pollutants, particularly ultra fine dust particles.

The organizations participating in the project are the Metropolitan Air Quality Management Office, National Institute of Environmental Research and Korea Meteorological Administration.

The Environment Ministry will also form a special taskforce for a nationwide fine dust alert system opening on Feb. 6 next year. Only three experts are currently known to be working on the system.

The ministry added that the estimated budget may be raised from 1.7 billion won to 10 billion won after a discussion with the National Assembly.

China’s smog carrying serious levels of heavy metals has been taking a toll on its neighboring countries’ environment and citizens’ health, with visibility in some Korean cities recording less than 300 meters on Thursday.

(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)