BEIJING - China launched Wednesday an investigation into the environmental responsibility of more than 2,000 A-share listed companies, according to the China Forum of Environmental Journalists (CFEJ), the activity's sponsor.

During the activity, a total of 6,000 volunteers and 100 environmental protection organizations nationwide will investigate these companies, said CFEJ's secretary general Liu Guozheng.

According to Liu, the activity will evaluate the companies' impact on the environment. It will be based on the most prevalent international standards and conducted by third parties.

In addition, various news and media groups will be invited to supervise the process, Liu added.

The campaign is jointly sponsored by CFEJ and the China Youth Center for International Exchange, and the results are planned to be released in a report in December 2012, along with a list of the most environment-friendly companies as an example for future industrial development, according to Liu.