FABRICATION DANGER

Chai Fahe, deputy head of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, said while making pollution a key factor in assessment could make a difference, it could also force local officials to fabricate data to pass checks and cover up the real scale of the problem.

This is a concern because monitoring agencies are usually affiliated with the government and could face pressure from authorities to understate pollution.

The Chinese public have long been skeptical of environmental data published by state authorities and refer to independent monitoring groups for information many perceive as more reliable.

Chai said that, given the credibility issue, the government should have an open mind about using independent environmental monitors to prevent fraud.

China has made repeated pledges in the past that it would not follow the old path of industrialized nations to develop first and deal with pollution afterward.

But the lingering smog is an awkward reminder that the country is already on that path. Whether they can change route depends on the choice Chinese officials make between environment and growth in the years ahead.