Beijing's Air Pollution: Strategies For A Breath Of Fresh Air

Beijing has long been associated with smog and air pollution, with the city's air quality deteriorating due to a combination of factors, including rapid economic growth, a rising population, and an increasing number of vehicles. In 2013, Beijing experienced its worst smog outbreak since 1961, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings far beyond safe levels. This prompted the Chinese government to declare a war on air pollution and implement various measures to improve the situation. Since then, Beijing has made significant strides in addressing its air pollution crisis, setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges. The city has embraced electric mobility, with almost 6,600 electric buses now forming part of its public bus network. Beijing has also introduced various policies and initiatives, such as the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, to reduce emissions and improve air quality. These efforts have yielded positive results, with a notable decrease in air pollution levels between 2013 and 2017. However, challenges remain, and Beijing's air pollution levels still exceed the World Health Organization's recommended standards.

Reducing industrial emissions from heavy industries

Beijing's air pollution crisis is largely attributed to industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing. Here are some measures that can be implemented to reduce industrial emissions from these sectors:

Transition to cleaner energy sources:

• Beijing has been actively promoting electric mobility and electric public transportation, which can help reduce air pollution from vehicles.
• The city should also encourage the use of natural gas for household energy consumption, as it emits 50-60% less carbon than coal.
• Additionally, Beijing can invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, and gradually reduce its reliance on coal.

Implement stricter emission standards and regulations:

• Beijing has already taken steps in this direction by instituting a license plate lottery system for fossil fuel-burning cars and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
• The city should also enforce stricter emission standards for diesel trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
• Old and polluting vehicles should be scrapped, and inspections for vehicles currently on the road should be more frequent.

Optimize industrial processes:

• Beijing should encourage the adoption of more efficient technologies in heavy industries, such as "ultra-supercritical" power plants that produce more energy with less coal.
• The city can also promote the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes.
• Additionally, Beijing can offer incentives for industries to invest in research and development of environmental protection technologies and energy-saving practices.

Regional collaboration and relocation of industries:

• Beijing can collaborate with neighboring regions, such as Tianjin and Hebei, to implement coordinated air pollution control measures.
• The city should also consider relocating some heavy industries to less populated areas to reduce the concentration of emissions in the Beijing region.

Public awareness and engagement:

• Beijing has been fostering public awareness about air pollution through initiatives like the "Annual Nationwide Energy-Saving Publicity Week" and the "Nationwide Decrease Carbon Day."
• The city should continue to educate the public about the importance of energy conservation and environmental protection and provide information on individual actions that can reduce carbon emissions.

Improving public transport and reducing vehicle emissions

Beijing has made significant strides in improving its air quality in recent years, particularly by curbing vehicle emissions and pushing electric mobility. The city has embraced electric buses, with 6,584 electric buses now forming part of its public bus network. This shift towards electric mobility has had a positive impact on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

To further improve public transport and reduce vehicle emissions, Beijing can implement several measures:

Improving public transport

• Expand and enhance public transport infrastructure: Beijing has been expanding and improving its public transportation system since the 1990s to ease urban traffic congestion. The city should continue to invest in its bus and subway networks, making them more efficient, convenient, and accessible to residents.
• Promote active mobility: Beijing can encourage residents to walk or cycle for short trips by developing more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes. This will help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and decrease emissions.
• Implement transit-oriented development: Beijing can promote mixed-use development patterns that prioritize transit and create dense, walkable neighbourhoods centred around transit hubs. This will reduce the need for private vehicle use and encourage more people to use public transport.

Reducing vehicle emissions

• Incentivize electric vehicles: Beijing has already started incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, such as through easier access to license plates for electric cars. The city can build on this by offering subsidies, tax breaks, or other financial incentives to encourage residents to switch to electric vehicles.
• Phase out internal combustion engines: Beijing can set targets and implement policies to phase out fossil fuel-burning cars and promote the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. This includes setting more stringent emissions standards and providing incentives for retiring old, polluting cars.
• Improve vehicle fuel efficiency: Beijing can encourage the use of more fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid or battery-electric models, to reduce emissions from the existing vehicle fleet. This can be done through incentives, subsidies, or regulations.
• Manage traffic flow: By managing the flow of truck traffic and diverting lorries to beltways that bypass heavily populated areas, Beijing can reduce emissions in congested areas. Optimizing traffic signals and routes can also help reduce congestion and lower emissions.

Encouraging citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transport

Beijing has implemented a range of measures to encourage its citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transport. One key initiative has been the introduction of a city-wide lottery system for license plates. Under this system, individuals who wish to purchase a new fossil fuel-burning car must enter a lottery, while those wanting to buy an electric car can more easily obtain a license plate. This policy incentivises citizens to opt for electric vehicles, which produce fewer emissions and contribute to improved air quality.

Beijing has also taken steps to phase out older, polluting vehicles. The city's five-year action plan, announced in 2013, included requirements for scrapping old cars and increasing inspections for those still on the road. Additionally, the plan tightened emissions standards for diesel trucks, further encouraging citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transport.

The revival of bike-sharing schemes and the expansion of the city subway system have also played a crucial role in Beijing's efforts. By reintroducing bike-sharing and making cycling more accessible, Beijing is providing a sustainable and convenient transport option for its residents. The expansion of the subway system, with its growing network of over 700 kilometres, offers an attractive alternative to private car ownership.

Furthermore, Beijing has invested in electric buses, with 6,584 electric buses now part of the city's public transport network. This shift towards electric mobility not only reduces air pollution but also contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The success of these initiatives is evident, with a significant decrease in air pollution levels and an improvement in the air quality experienced by Beijing's citizens.

Overall, Beijing's strategies to encourage citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transport have been comprehensive and effective, addressing both private and public transportation options.

Reducing coal consumption and improving heating systems

Beijing's air pollution crisis is largely due to industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing in Hebei, the heavily industrialised province that surrounds Beijing.

As China is the world's largest producer and consumer of coal, its transition from coal to cleaner energy sources is critical for achieving global decarbonisation. In the past, China has introduced a series of policies to curb coal consumption and its impacts, including:

• The State Council's 2013 Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, which aimed to constrain direct coal consumption to 65% of primary energy by 2017 through a combination of alternatives (coal to gas, coal to electricity), renewables, and energy efficiency measures.
• The 2014 plan to limit coal's share in primary energy to 62% by 2020 while introducing an ultra-low emissions policy for new coal-fired power plants.
• The 2015 announcement to reach peak carbon emissions by no later than 2030 while deriving 20% of its primary energy from non-fossil sources.
• The 2016 13th Five-Year Plan, which proposed goals and policies to improve efficiency, close backward mines, aid workers, and cap coal output, use, and coal power capacity.
• The 2017 Energy Production and Consumption Revolution Strategy, which detailed energy decarbonisation targets including non-fossil primary energy shares of at least 15% by 2020, 20% by 2030, and 50% by 2050.

To further reduce coal consumption, Beijing can continue to:

• Invest in solar, wind, and energy storage to continue driving renewable expansion and integration.
• Build international partnerships on coal phase-out to share strategies and experiences, support just-transition programs, and step up to global leadership.
• Manage demand growth through efficiency.
• Restrict the construction of new coal power plants when comparable clean energy alternatives exist.
• Allow for the early retirement of existing coal plants, prioritising locations and plants where operational economics are unfavorable.
• Phase out subsidies to the coal industry.
• Couple transition plans with the just treatment of workers and their communities, including retraining coal workers and enhancing the social safety net of health, retirement, and unemployment insurance.

Restoring ecosystems and increasing green spaces

Beijing has been battling air pollution for decades. The city's air pollution crisis is largely attributed to industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing, as well as traffic fumes from crowded roads.

To address this issue, Beijing has implemented various measures, including pushing for electric mobility and improving public transportation. The city has also focused on repairing degraded ecosystems and increasing green spaces. Here are some ways in which Beijing can further restore ecosystems and increase green spaces to combat air pollution:

• Revitalizing Degraded Lands: Beijing can restore degraded lands by planting trees and other vegetation to create new green spaces. This will not only help absorb pollutants and improve air quality but also provide habitats for wildlife.
• Reintroducing Native Plant Species: Native plant species are well-adapted to the local environment and can better withstand pollution and extreme weather conditions. By reintroducing native plant species, Beijing can enhance the resilience of its ecosystems and improve air quality.
• Creating Green Corridors: Green corridors are networks of green spaces that connect natural areas, such as parks, wetlands, and forests. By creating green corridors, Beijing can facilitate the movement of animals and plants, promote biodiversity, and improve air quality across the city.
• Restoring Urban Green Spaces: Urban green spaces, such as parks, community gardens, and street trees, can play a crucial role in improving air quality. Beijing can invest in creating and maintaining these spaces, ensuring they are accessible and well-maintained.
• Promoting Citizen Engagement: Citizen groups and municipal authorities can work together to restore ecosystems and increase green spaces. This can include cleaning up waterways, planting bee-friendly plants, and creating urban woodlands and wildlife habitats in public spaces.
• Incorporating Nature-Based Solutions: Nature-based solutions involve using natural elements to address environmental challenges. For example, Beijing can explore solutions such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and biofiltration systems to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
• Restoring Water Ecosystems: Water ecosystems, such as rivers and lakes, play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By restoring these ecosystems and reducing pollution, Beijing can improve water quality and create habitats for aquatic life, contributing to better air quality.
• Protecting and Expanding Forests: Forests are crucial for absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Beijing can focus on protecting existing forests from deforestation and expanding forest cover by planting new trees.
• Educating the Public: Educating the public about the importance of ecosystems and green spaces can foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Beijing can develop educational programs and raise awareness about the benefits of green spaces, encouraging citizens to get involved in restoration initiatives.

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