Daya Bay Petrochemical Zone. [Photo/China.org.cn]

A dark scourge hangs ominously over the heads of commuters during the winter months, blotting out the sun and forcing people to seek refuge indoors from pollution. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is also one of the world's leaders in renewable energy production.

Can China break free from its fossil fuel addiction? In the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) been discussed last month in Beijing, large efforts were made to curb emissions and invest in green power as a source of energy security. According to Xia Guang, director of the Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy, this plan forms the beginning of a long-term campaign against pollution in a coordinated effort to reduce emissions.

Xi Jinping met U.S. President Barack Obama at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Nov. 16-18, where they both pledged to tackle climate change issues. During the meeting, Xi was committed to strengthen China's adaptability, stating that "In this regard, we also call on Asia Pacific countries to step up cooperation."

However, as China shifts its economic engine towards consumption-led growth, how will local governments and businesses comply?

Huizhou, located in Guangdong province, is considered a major site for the petrochemical industry as well as an important location for emerging information technology sectors. Mayor Mai Jiaomeng puts emphasis on striking a balance between ecological sustainment and economic development: "the environment is the top priority in our continued development, and will focus on keeping our city's air and water clean."

"Yes, environmental protection is tough, but we will abide by the central government's laws. It is our obligation to future generations."He added.

Meanwhile, the drive for greener solutions is pushing local industries towards compliance.

GestampAutomotive's Dongguan factory manufactures automobile components. General Manager Michael Resha moved from the United States to China in order to follow the "opportunity for growth" amidst what he claims to be the "world's largest automobile sales field in the world."

Although the recent economic slowdown has slowed down sales during the second quarter of 2015, Resha claims that recent government tax incentives have actually reversed the figures and increased car sales. In addition, the added demand for greener technologies has allowed Gestamp to develop "light but thick" car components that reduce energy consumption.

At Huizhou's CNOOC oil refinery, which producesannually millions of tons of gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc., plans and efforts include amplifying production in the following years, albeit with an eye towards environmental protection.