Brian Barton
China's pollution problem has been a major source of worry for its residents and the world. The country's rapid economic development has come at the cost of environmental degradation, with air and water pollution posing significant health risks. Inhalable particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide in Chinese cities have been recorded at levels that far exceed the World Health Organization's guidelines. Public concern has been raised over lead poisoning and the contamination of waterways, with a study linking air pollution to 1.6 million deaths annually in China. The Chinese government has responded with environmental regulations and industrial reforms, and residents have noticed improvements. However, challenges remain, and China is still ranked as the 13th most polluted country in the world.
What You'll Learn
Air pollution and health
Air pollution is a major issue in China, with only 1% of the country's 560 million city residents breathing air considered safe by EU standards. The problem is especially acute in major cities, which are constantly covered in a "toxic grey shroud". The health effects of air pollution have been widely studied, and it is estimated that air pollution kills 1.1 million people in China every year. The leading cause of death is heart disease, but air pollution also causes respiratory, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular diseases.
The Chinese government has recognised the problem and has developed strategies to tackle it. In 2013, an anti-pollution campaign was launched, focusing on controlling PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter. This campaign halved the average concentration of PM2.5 between 2013 and 2019. In 2016, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council released the "Healthy China 2030 Plan", emphasising improved management of health-related environmental problems.
China's air pollution is the result of decades of rapid industrialisation and urban growth, which have substantially increased the burning of fossil fuels. The immense urban growth of Chinese cities has also increased the need for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, further contributing to the problem. The environmental crisis in China not only threatens the health and livelihoods of its 1.4 billion citizens but also the global fight against climate change.
Despite the government's efforts, it is premature to celebrate the end of China's war against pollution. While air quality has improved during the Covid era, China is still responsible for the largest share of global carbon emissions, and its carbon-intensive industries continue to cause environmental challenges, including water scarcity and soil contamination. China's pollution problem also extends beyond air quality to include water pollution and "white pollution", referring to the plastic waste that has polluted China's agricultural fields, landscape, and waterways since the mid-1990s.
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Water pollution
The consequences of water pollution in China are dire. According to estimates, approximately 700 million people in China drink water contaminated with animal and human excreta, exceeding permissible levels by up to 86% in rural areas and 28% in urban areas. The health risks are significant, with exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and algal toxins posing a growing threat.
China's rivers have suffered profound water quality impairments, with elevated levels of anthropogenic nutrients such as total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP). These excess nutrients have been transported to lakes and oceans, endangering aquatic life and ecosystem services. Eutrophication, caused by pollution runoff from agriculture, industry, and urban sewage, has plagued numerous lakes, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic ecosystems.
The Chinese government has recognized the severity of the problem and taken steps to address it. In 2000, they proposed the Total Amount of Pollutants Control Plan, and in 2008, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution was enacted to tighten water environmental protection regulations. While some improvements have been observed in inland water quality, the problem of water pollution remains acute, and future human activities and climate change may further exacerbate nutrient concentrations in water bodies.
The impact of China's water pollution extends beyond its borders. China's unprecedented geoengineering projects, such as moving water from the south to the north, are threatening downstream water resources in neighboring regions. Additionally, the export of environmental problems, such as deforestation in South America and South Asia, has incited international concern. China's leadership is facing growing political pressure to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, and affected countries are seeking cooperative solutions to these pressing issues.
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Plastic pollution
The production, consumption, and disposal of plastic products have contributed to various environmental problems in China. Single-use plastics, in particular, have come under scrutiny due to their negative impact on the environment. China has taken steps to address plastic pollution, including implementing policies to reduce plastic waste, promoting recycling, and raising public awareness about the issue. One of the significant steps taken by the Chinese government was the ban on importing plastic waste from other countries, which came into effect in 2018. This move aimed to reduce the country's plastic waste influx and encourage the development of domestic recycling capabilities.
Public concern about plastic pollution in China is growing. Many people are increasingly aware of the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste and are calling for more sustainable alternatives and effective waste management systems. There have been efforts to reduce plastic consumption and promote eco-friendly alternatives, with a rising trend of using reusable bags and refusing single-use plastic items. Campaigns and initiatives led by environmental organizations and activists play a crucial role in raising awareness and engaging the public in plastic pollution solutions.
The Chinese government has also recognized the importance of addressing plastic pollution and has implemented various measures to tackle the issue. In 2020, China released a five-year plan to reduce plastic pollution, which included targets for recycling and the phase-out of specific single-use plastic items. The plan aimed to control plastic pollution at the source, promote green and low-carbon development, and improve the management of plastic waste throughout its lifecycle. This included promoting recyclable and biodegradable plastics, establishing a recycling system for agricultural plastic film, and strengthening the management of plastic waste in key areas such as the ocean and rivers.
China's efforts to address plastic pollution are significant, given its role as a significant plastic producer and consumer. While challenges remain, there is a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices and effective waste management systems. Collaboration between the government, industries, and the public is vital in tackling plastic pollution and protecting the environment for future generations. China's actions will significantly impact global efforts to address this pressing environmental issue.
Overall, plastic pollution is a complex environmental challenge in China, but there are positive signs of change. The combination of government initiatives, public awareness, and the development of sustainable alternatives is helping to address the problem. Continued efforts and international cooperation are necessary to ensure that plastic pollution is effectively managed and that China's environment is protected for the long term.
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Government policies
China's government has implemented various policies to address the country's pollution problem, particularly air pollution, which has been a major source of concern for the Chinese people.
In 2014, Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war against pollution," marking a shift from prioritizing economic growth to focusing on environmental protection. The National Air Quality Action Plan set targets for reducing particulate pollution, with the goal of improving air quality. This plan was successful in meeting its targets, and it was followed by another plan for 2018-2020, which aimed to further reduce pollution levels relative to 2015.
To combat air pollution, the Chinese government has targeted industries with high energy consumption and emissions, such as steel, coal power, chemicals, non-ferrous metal smelting, and petrochemicals. They have implemented policies to reduce coal consumption by closing polluting mills, factories, and smelters, and encouraged the use of eco-friendly energy sources. These efforts have shown results, with a decrease in PM2.5 levels in 74 key cities between 2013 and 2015.
Additionally, the Chinese government has addressed specific issues such as lead poisoning, suspending battery factory production and taking measures to reduce lead levels. They have also banned the importation of electronic waste and implemented regulations for proper waste disposal, although these measures have been criticized as insufficient.
China has also committed to tackling climate change, with President Xi Jinping pledging to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The country has introduced energy and environmental regulations, as well as laws addressing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program has supported these efforts by providing financing for enterprises to reduce air pollutants and carbon emissions.
The Chinese government continues to work with international organizations and financial institutions to address pollution and climate change, recognizing the importance of environmental protection for the well-being of its citizens and the planet.
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Environmental degradation
China's environmental degradation is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including domestic politics, rapid economic growth, and globalization. The country's unprecedented development has led to significant environmental challenges that impact not only China but also the rest of the world.
One of the critical aspects of China's environmental degradation is air pollution. The country has been battling air pollution for decades, and it has become a major source of concern for the health and well-being of its citizens. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019. The problem is especially acute in major cities, where only 1% of the urban population breathes air considered safe by European Union standards. China's carbon-intensive industries have contributed significantly to air pollution, releasing toxic pollutants such as mercury and nitrogen oxides, which also fall as acid rain on neighbouring countries.
Water pollution is another pressing issue in China. The country's rapid industrialization and lax environmental oversight have severely contaminated its waterways. Industrial discharges and agricultural activities have rendered many rivers and lakes unfit for direct human use, and water pollution is estimated to cause sixty thousand deaths in China annually. Additionally, water scarcity is an emerging problem, with severe water shortages affecting various regions.
China also faces challenges with biodiversity loss and land degradation. As a consequence of nature degradation and increased pollution from human activities, thousands of animal and plant species are threatened. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, 1,078 known species in China are critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. The country's ecological footprint has more than doubled since 1970, and projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are predicted to cause further environmental harm through pollution, habitat loss, and wildlife mortality.
The Chinese government has implemented various strategies to combat environmental degradation, such as signing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate and pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Additionally, the government has launched anti-pollution campaigns, including a ban on free plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores, which has shown some positive results. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of environmental degradation and to hold the government accountable for its environmental responsibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Chinese people are worried about pollution. Air pollution is a major source of concern, with only 1% of China's 560 million "city people" breathing air considered safe by European Union standards. The country's carbon emissions and environmental degradation also threaten global efforts to combat climate change.
The major sources of pollution in China include industrial processes, transportation, coal power plants, and household fuel usage. China is the world's largest emitter of mercury, a neurotoxin, due to its dirty coal-burning power plants. In addition, the agricultural sector generates more pollution than factories, with pesticide and fertilizer residues often left untreated in landfills.
Air pollution is a leading cause of death in China, contributing to an estimated 1.1 to 2 million premature deaths annually. It causes various diseases, including respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Water pollution also poses a significant threat, with an estimated 60,000 deaths attributed to it each year.
The Chinese government has implemented various measures to combat pollution. They launched an anti-pollution campaign in 2013, focusing on controlling PM2.5 particulate matter, which led to a 50% reduction in average PM2.5 concentration by 2019. They also signed the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Additionally, China banned supermarkets and shops from providing free plastic bags in 2008, reducing plastic bag waste by 10% in the following year.
Pollution has significant economic costs for China, with environmental issues estimated to cost the country up to 10% of its GDP annually. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment calculated the cost of pollution to be around 1.5 trillion RMB ($227 billion) in 2010, equivalent to roughly 3.5% of GDP.
