Air Pollution In China: Visual Evidence And Reality

China's air pollution has been a pressing issue for years, with the country's rapid industrialisation causing widespread environmental and health problems. NASA and the European Space Agency have observed a significant decrease in pollution levels over China, particularly in 2020, due to the economic slowdown following the coronavirus outbreak. This has resulted in millions of people in China being in lockdown, with many factories also closing down.

- Aerial view of a coal-fired power station in winter

- Hazy polluted skies over Shanghai

- Beijing's skyline shrouded in air pollution

- People wearing protective masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and air pollution

- Smoke billowing from a steel plant in Inner Mongolia

Air pollution in China's cities

China's rapid economic growth and urbanisation have had a devastating impact on the environment, with the country now facing an environmental crisis. Air pollution in China's cities is a major problem, posing a significant threat to public health.

China's growing energy needs are largely met by coal, one of the biggest sources of air pollution. In 2014, the country burned 4 billion tons of coal, more than the rest of the world combined. As a result, China's air quality has deteriorated drastically, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels far exceeding the World Health Organisation's recommended limit. In 2019, Beijing's PM2.5 average was 42.1 µg/m³, almost seven times the recommended limit. Other major cities, such as Shanghai, have also been affected, with air pollution forcing temporary closures of schools and workplaces.

The consequences of this pollution are dire. In 2012, Beijing experienced 2,589 deaths and a loss of US$328 million due to PM2.5 pollution. Additionally, air pollution in northern China, primarily from burning fossil fuels, is causing people to lose an average of 5.5 years from their lives. The situation has become so severe that China has been trying aggressively to reduce pollution over the last few years.

The Chinese government has implemented several measures to combat air pollution. They have encouraged a shift from coal to natural gas for power and heat generation and promoted the use of electric vehicles. The government has also invested heavily in renewable energy projects, such as solar farms and solar highways. These efforts have shown some positive results, with PM2.5 levels dropping by 33% in 74 cities between 2013 and 2017.

Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a critical issue in China's cities. The country's rapid economic growth and urbanisation continue to strain resources and contribute to environmental degradation. It is clear that further action is needed to address this pressing challenge and improve the air quality in China's cities.

The impact of air pollution on public health

Air pollution in China has had a significant impact on public health. The country's rapid economic growth and industrialization have led to increased energy consumption, primarily from burning coal, which is one of the biggest sources of air pollution. This has resulted in severe air pollution, with particulate matter and toxic chemicals penetrating deep into people's lungs and cardiovascular systems.

The consequences of this pollution are dire, causing various diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections. It is estimated that air pollution is responsible for about 2 million deaths in China annually, with ambient air pollution causing more than 1 million of those deaths. The situation is so severe that, at times, everyday life in major cities has been halted, with cars grounded, flights cancelled, and schools closed.

The Chinese government has not been oblivious to these issues and has implemented various strategies to tackle regional air pollution, recognizing the impact on public health. For example, in 2018, the government ordered more than 5 million households to stop using coal heaters and for 26 northern cities to cut PM2.5 emissions by 4%. Additionally, China ranked as the world's leading investor in low-carbon energy technology in 2010, recognizing the economic opportunities in clean energy.

Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a pressing issue, and the public health consequences are significant. The impact varies across regions, with Central and Western China experiencing more adverse health effects. The duration of good air quality days is crucial for improving public health, and future policies should focus on increasing the number of these days while also controlling and reducing severe air pollution.

The extensive use of masks by the Chinese public, as seen in many photographs, is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of air pollution and its impact on people's daily lives.

China's efforts to reduce air pollution

China's air quality has been a pressing issue for years, with the country being home to many of the world's most polluted cities. The country's rapid economic growth, population increase, and surging number of vehicles have put immense pressure on its environment, particularly its air quality. However, China has been taking aggressive measures to combat this problem and reduce air pollution. Here are some of China's efforts:

Transition to Electric Vehicles

China has become a leader in electric mobility, with 99% of the world's 385,000 electric buses in 2020. Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou are among the cities on a trajectory to electrify their entire public bus fleets. The country's electric bus figure is expected to swell to 600,000 by 2025, significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Air Pollution Control Programs

Beijing, China's capital, has implemented a series of comprehensive air pollution control programs to combat the pollution crisis. These efforts are multi-faceted, targeting different sources of pollution, such as coal combustion, construction, and household fuel burning. The city has also focused on the transport sector by introducing measures like license plate lotteries, driving bans, and incentives for scrapping older vehicles.

Green Energy Financing

The World Bank has supported China's efforts by financing investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control through the Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program. This program has helped China reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.5 million tons per year and address financing challenges for renewable energy projects.

Clean Energy Investments

In 2010, China ranked as the world's leading investor in low-carbon energy technology, recognizing the economic opportunities presented by clean energy. The country has continued to invest in and promote clean energy sources, such as renewable energy vehicles and clean fuels for household heating.

Five-Year Action Plan

In 2013, Beijing announced a five-year action plan to tackle air pollution and promote sustainable growth. The plan set specific targets, tightened emissions standards, and closed loopholes in enforcement. It included measures such as scrapping old polluting cars, increasing inspections for on-road vehicles, and controlling the flow of truck traffic through the city.

Emission Standards and Enforcement

China has implemented stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries, ahead of national and international ones. The country has also improved enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with these standards, including systematic planning and strict local standards.

Public Engagement and Awareness

China has involved the public in its efforts to reduce air pollution through high levels of public engagement and awareness. Publishing weekly air quality reports and encouraging the use of masks during severe pollution episodes are some of the ways the country has engaged and informed its citizens.

These measures have resulted in significant improvements in China's air quality in recent years, with reductions in PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions. However, challenges remain, and China continues to work towards meeting national and international air quality standards.

The sources of air pollution in China

China's air pollution is largely caused by coal-derived energy sources, industrial emissions, and vehicle emissions.

Coal-Derived Energy Sources

Coal is the major source of energy in China, constituting about 75% of all energy sources. As a result, air pollution in China predominantly consists of coal smoke, with suspended particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as the principal air pollutants. In 2006, 36% of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide, 27% of nitrogen oxides, 22% of carbon monoxide, and 17% of black carbon emitted in China were associated with the production of goods for export.

Industrial Emissions

Industrial coal-burning factories also contribute to the smog present in Beijing and other major cities. These factories rely on outdated and inefficient technologies and are often located on the outskirts of cities. In addition, industrial air emissions and soil dust from desertification in surrounding districts also contribute to air pollution.

Vehicle Emissions

The surge in the number of motor vehicles on the roads is another significant source of air pollution in China. Vehicle emissions contribute to nearly 70% of Beijing's air pollution. Newly introduced vehicles have lower emission standards, emitting more pollutants into the atmosphere than older vehicles. In addition, requirements for sulfur content in gasoline in China are extremely lax, with allowances for sulfur content 500 times higher than those in the US and 1,500 times higher than those in Europe.

The effects of air pollution on China's waterways

China's waterways are suffering from the country's rapid economic growth, industrialisation, and urbanisation. Water pollution in China is having a devastating impact on the environment and people's health.

China's immense population growth since the 1980s has resulted in increased soil pollution. The State Environmental Protection Administration believes it poses a threat to the environment, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. Contaminated water is used to irrigate crops, and heavy metals in the soil, including mercury, lead, and cadmium, are adversely affecting human health.

Water pollution is also caused by industrial discharges, with a 1997 World Bank report stating that China's waterways have been seriously contaminated, making them largely unfit for direct human use. Inorganic compounds, such as those from chemical plants, are causing algal blooms that choke waterways and lakes. In some places, chemicals turn the water blood-red. Oil spills are also a significant issue, with a blast at an oil storage facility in Dalian in 2010 spilling over 400 million gallons of oil.

China's waste production is increasing, and a lack of capable recycling systems has led to trash clogging waterways. The agricultural sector is a significant source of waste, with pesticides, fertiliser residues, and packaging often left untreated in landfills due to a lack of waste management infrastructure.

Air pollution is also affecting China's waterways. Air pollution has led to increased rainfall, and acid rain falls on waterways, further contaminating them.

The Chinese government has implemented policies to tackle pollution, including banning plastic bags and taking measures to reduce air pollution. However, despite some improvements, water pollution remains a critical issue, with the World Bank reporting that 90% of China's urban groundwater is contaminated.

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