China:

Beijing Planning to Dig Deep to Clear the Air (AsiaOne)

As the worst smog in years smeared China's skies, a city is looking deep into the ground for ways to clear its air.

Baoding, in Hebei province, has vowed to tap its rich geothermal resources to free the city from smog.

Four large geothermal fields have been found in the city, covering a total area of 3,700 sq km. Most of the city has used the clean energy for heating and bathing.

"The utilization of geothermal resources has never been more important," said Ma Yufeng, the city's mayor, adding that the city has to protect the environment and provide resources such as agricultural products for the capital because of its location.

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