China's Ministry of Environmental Protection recently issued a circular criticizing some local governments for failing to issue air pollution warnings. The circular comes on the heels of pollution fines in Liaoning Province, where local media reports say that eight cities were fined a total of 54 million yuan ($8.89 million) for heavy air pollution, with the money collected earmarked for relevant air quality projects.

Yet, neither the circular nor the pollution fines touch upon accountability. The circular only requires local authorities to establish a pollution warning system. It doesn't mention who will be held responsible if this command isn't followed. And in the case of the pollution fines, high-emissions plants and local government officials are both to blame, but it is taxpayers who will ultimately pay the bill.

Central authorities should establish a tracking and recording mechanism that can link local environmental protection initiatives with officials' achievements.

The author is Shi Yanping, a media personality.

Guangzhou Daily