China is one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to air pollution. The country has industrialized on a mass scale unlike anything ever seen before in the last 30 years, but the effects of that large-scale industrialization has had severe effects on the health and quality of life of many of its citizens.
The global superpower has introduced a number of initiatives and policies which are specifically aimed at addressing its pollution problems. The Chinese government is offering subsidies and incentives for motorists to go electric as part of its overall plan to have all vehicles in the country electrified by 2030.
However, the announcement regarding the construction of a new Forest City is the latest example of China's commitment to reducing its air pollution and joining the fight against global warming.
Liuzhou Forest City will be home to 30,000 people and is projected to be complete by 2022, as building doesn't commence on the project until 2020.
Offices, houses, hotels, hospitals and schools will be entirely covered by a total of 40,000 trees and 1 million plants of 100 species. They will absorb almost 10,000 tons of CO2 and 57 tons of pollutants per year and produce around 900 tons of oxygen.
The city will be constructed in the north of Liuzhou in the mountainous terrain of Guangxi which is located in South China and will be connected to Liuzhou's public transportation system and roads for electric cars.
In addition to this, it has been disclosed that the new forest city will have various residential areas, commercial and recreational spaces, two schools and a hospital. Houses will be fitted with an air-conditioning system which will be powered by geothermal energy and solar-paneled roofs.
The innovative project which was commissioned by Liuzhou Municipality Urban Planning has been designed by architects Stefano Boeri Architetti. The company says the plants and trees will decrease the average air temperature, create noise barriers and improve biodiversity by providing homes for birds, insects and small animals.