International Efforts To Reduce Air Pollution In China

China has been battling air pollution for years, and while there have been improvements, there is still a long way to go. The country has implemented strict policies and taken steps such as setting emission-reduction targets and investing in renewable energy sources to combat this issue. However, progress has been challenging due to increasing dependency on fossil fuels and the rebound of overall PM2.5 levels. With air pollution affecting not only China but also its neighbouring countries, international cooperation and the sharing of successful strategies can play a crucial role in helping China reduce air pollution.

Encourage China to continue investing in big data and technology to monitor air quality

Big data and technology have proven to be effective tools in monitoring and improving air quality. Other countries can encourage China to continue investing in these areas to help reduce air pollution.

Big data analytics can be used to process historical and continuous data collected from sensors to compute the Air Quality Index (AQI) per region and within time slots. This data can also be used to forecast future AQI values using machine learning. For example, in the UK, the city of Coventry uses IoT sensor data to send alerts to pedestrians and drivers, encouraging them to take alternative routes to avoid areas with high air pollution concentrations.

China has already made significant progress in this area, with the number of federal monitoring stations nearly tripling between 2012 and 2020, from 661 to 1,800. Additionally, there are thousands of monitoring stations managed and funded by local governments. This extensive monitoring network has provided valuable data on air quality across China.

To further enhance their data collection and analysis capabilities, China can invest in advanced sensor technology and data analytics tools. For instance, they can deploy more sensors on vehicles like taxis, similar to the pilot project in Cangzhou City, to gather real-time data and create a hyperlocal view of air quality.

Combining IoT sensor data with big data analysis can provide local insights to monitor air quality at the citizen and community levels. This information can help decision-makers take targeted actions, such as regulating vehicle usage or implementing restrictions on polluting activities, to reduce air pollution effectively.

Moreover, China can also leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to improve air quality forecasting. For example, the ICEEMDAN-WOA-ELM model, which combines big data with AI, has been shown to outperform single AI models in air quality forecasting.

By continuing to invest in big data and technology, China can improve its air quality monitoring capabilities, enabling more effective enforcement of air quality regulations and ultimately reducing air pollution.

Support China's transition to clean energy and reduction of fossil fuel usage

China is the world's second-largest economy and the second most populous country. It is also the world's largest consumer of energy, with a heavy reliance on coal. In 2020, China emitted 12.3 billion tonnes of CO2, accounting for 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

China has taken steps to address its air pollution crisis and transition to clean energy. In 2020, President Xi Jinping pledged to "peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030" and "achieve carbon neutrality before 2060". China has also committed to having CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and pledged to generate 50% of the increase in energy use from 2020 to 2025 from renewable sources.

International Cooperation and Agreements:

• International efforts like the Paris Agreement aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Countries can work together to strengthen these agreements and ensure their effective implementation.
• Bilateral and multilateral agreements between China and other countries can help set ambitious yet achievable targets for clean energy adoption and fossil fuel reduction.

Technology and Knowledge Transfer:

• Countries with advanced clean energy technologies can share their expertise and knowledge with China. This includes providing access to innovative energy storage solutions, renewable energy sources, and carbon capture and storage techniques.
• Supporting the development of China's renewable energy sector by offering technical assistance and sharing best practices.

Financial Investments and Green Financing:

• Other countries can encourage and support investments in China's clean energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
• Green financing mechanisms, like the World Bank's Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, can be established to provide funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control initiatives in China.

Emission Reduction Strategies:

• Share successful strategies and policies that have worked in other countries to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
• Assist China in developing and implementing comprehensive emission reduction plans that address multiple pollutants, including PM2.5 and ozone (O3).

Data Analytics and Monitoring:

• Collaborate on the development and deployment of advanced data analytics tools to identify air pollution hotspots and inform targeted enforcement actions.
• Support the expansion of air quality monitoring stations and the utilization of real-time data to track progress and enforce regulations effectively.

Public Awareness and Health Initiatives:

• Raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution and the benefits of clean energy among the Chinese public.
• Support health initiatives aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution on vulnerable populations.

Help China develop and implement multi-pollutant emission reduction strategies

China has made significant progress in improving its air quality, but it still has a long way to go to meet acceptable standards. Here are some ways other countries can help China develop and implement multi-pollutant emission reduction strategies:

Policy and Planning

China can benefit from the experiences of other countries in developing comprehensive air pollution management plans. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encouraged states to take a multi-pollutant approach, and some have participated in pilot projects to develop multi-pollutant air quality management plans. These plans can address multiple policy goals, such as reducing concentrations of ozone, particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants, as well as planning for transportation and energy needs, and adapting to climate change. China can learn from these experiences and develop similar comprehensive plans that address multiple pollutants and their sources.

Technology and Innovation

Other countries can share advanced technologies and innovations for emission reduction. For example, the use of clean coal technologies (CCT) and retrofitted technologies like catalytic converters and desulfurization can help reduce local air pollution. In addition, the development and implementation of integrated control strategies that address multiple pollutants can be more efficient than separate strategies for each pollutant. The application of new technologies, such as real-time data platforms and mobile monitoring instruments, can also help China identify pollution hotspots and enforce air quality regulations more effectively.

International Cooperation and Financing

International cooperation and financing mechanisms can play a crucial role in supporting China's emission reduction efforts. For example, the World Bank-supported Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program has helped China leverage funding for investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This program has not only reduced carbon dioxide emissions but also contributed to the improvement of air quality in the Jing-Jin-Ji region. Other countries and international organizations can provide similar financial support and expertise to help China implement its air pollution control programs.

Best Practices and Behavioral Changes

Sharing best practices and success stories from other countries can help China develop effective strategies. For example, behavioral changes at the individual level, such as reducing energy consumption in transportation, households, and supply chains, can contribute to mitigating air pollution. Promoting active and public transportation, as well as the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, can also help reduce vehicle emissions, which are a significant source of air pollution. Additionally, improving energy efficiency in industrial and building sectors, as well as increasing the supply of renewable energy, can lead to substantial emission reductions.

Agriculture and Food Sector

The agriculture and food sector is another area where international collaboration can make a difference. Ammonia (NH3) emissions from agricultural activities contribute significantly to fine particulate matter. By sharing knowledge and technologies, other countries can help China optimize manure management, reduce food waste, and promote healthier diets with lower consumption of animal-sourced foods. These strategies not only reduce air pollution but also have co-benefits for climate change mitigation and public health.

Share best practices and lessons learned from other countries' experiences, such as the EU's action on regulating surface ozone levels

China has made significant progress in improving its air quality, particularly in highly polluted northern Chinese cities. However, it continues to face challenges in its battle against air pollution, with over 1 million deaths attributed to poor outdoor air quality across the country each year.

One way other countries can help China reduce air pollution is by sharing best practices and lessons learned from their own experiences. For example, the European Union (EU) has taken comprehensive action to regulate surface ozone levels, a significant air pollutant that exacerbates respiratory conditions and increases the risk of infections and cardiovascular diseases.

The EU's Ambient Air Quality Directive sets two standards: a target value and a long-term objective for protecting vegetation from ozone. These standards are based on accumulated ozone exposure above a threshold of 40 parts per billion (ppb) or 80 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The directive aims to reduce the harmful effects of ground-level ozone on human health, vegetation, and ecosystems.

The EU has also played a pivotal role in the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement to protect the Earth's ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. Through its own legislation, the EU has not only met the objectives of the Montreal Protocol but has also implemented stricter and more ambitious measures. For instance, while the Montreal Protocol regulates the production and trade of ozone-depleting substances, the EU's Ozone Regulation prohibits their use in most cases and also regulates substances contained in products and equipment.

Additionally, the EU has supported China's efforts to tackle air pollution through clean energy financing. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, backed by the World Bank, has provided funding for investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control in China. This program has helped China reduce carbon dioxide emissions and make progress towards mitigating climate change.

By sharing these experiences and best practices, other countries can assist China in developing effective strategies to reduce air pollution, protect public health, and address the impacts on the environment.

Provide funding and resources to support China's air pollution control programs and technologies

Providing funding and resources to support China's air pollution control programs and technologies is key to helping the country improve its air quality. Here are some ways this can be achieved:

Financial Support for Green Initiatives

Financial institutions and governments of other countries can provide funding and resources to support China's transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. For example, the World Bank has supported China's efforts by providing loans and grants to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This has helped China reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Similar initiatives can be explored by other countries and organizations to provide financial support for China's green initiatives.

Technology Transfer and Collaboration

Other countries can collaborate with China by sharing advanced technologies and expertise in air pollution control. This can include providing technical assistance, equipment, and knowledge transfer in areas such as emissions monitoring, clean energy development, and pollution abatement measures. For instance, the use of big data and digital technologies has proven effective in detecting air pollution hotspots and enforcing air quality regulations. International cooperation in this area can accelerate the deployment of such technologies and enhance China's capacity to tackle air pollution.

Supporting Research and Innovation

Countries with advanced research capabilities in the field of environmental science and clean energy can partner with Chinese institutions to support research and innovation. This can involve joint research projects, technology exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives. By fostering international collaboration, China can gain access to the latest advancements and expertise, accelerating its progress in air pollution control.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Countries can encourage and support Chinese industries to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes promoting energy efficiency, circular economy approaches, and the development of eco-friendly products. Providing resources and incentives for Chinese businesses to transition to cleaner production methods can have a significant impact on reducing air pollution.

Policy Advice and Knowledge Sharing

Sharing best practices and policy advice can also be a form of support. Countries with successful experiences in air pollution control can offer strategic guidance and knowledge transfer to China. This includes policies related to emissions standards, clean energy incentives, and regulatory frameworks. By learning from the successes and failures of other countries, China can enhance its policy framework and accelerate progress toward its air quality goals.

Frequently asked questions