In 2002, the overall environment quality changed for the better in the province. The urban air quality has been maintained at Grade II of National Standards. The dust pollution has been somewhat reduced. The number of cities reporting acid rainfall has been decreased as a result of slightly diminishing frequency of acid rainfall across the province.

Great improvement has been made to the quality of the source of drinking water and major rivers in the province. The number of cities, whose water quality has been up to standards, has been increased by 13.3% over the previous year.

Two thirds of all major rivers or vital sections of major rivers in the province have been up to par in terms of water function. The trunk flows of the major rivers and the Pearl River Delta have been kept in good state. The major lakes and reservoirs in the province can all satisfy people's demand. Nearly 70% of the urban inshore seawater reaches the required quality standard in the province.

The total length of highways causing quite serious noise pollution - noise equivalent grade above 70-dB (A), has been reduced by 16.8% across the province.

Editor: Catherine