China's War On Air Pollution: Strategies And Successes

China has made significant progress in tackling air pollution, with its efforts accounting for three-quarters of the reduction in airborne pollutants worldwide since 2008. The country has implemented various measures, including the introduction of a five-year national air quality action plan in 2013, which set specific targets and tightened emissions standards. Beijing, in particular, has made great strides in curbing vehicle emissions and promoting electric mobility, improving the air quality for its citizens. China has also become a leader in electric transit, owning 99% of the world's electric buses, and has made substantial investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These actions have led to notable improvements in air quality, with almost every city in the country experiencing cleaner air compared to 2008. However, there have been unintended consequences, as the reduction in air pollution has contributed to a surge in global warming by removing the artificial cooling effect of aerosols.

China's air pollution crackdown has inadvertently contributed to global warming

China's air pollution crisis, brought about by decades of rapid industrialisation, has posed a serious threat to the health and livelihoods of its people and to the global fight against climate change. In response, the Chinese government has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution, including signing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change and pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

To address air pollution, China introduced the Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, which has supported investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This program has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions and contributed to improved air quality in regions like the Jing-Jin-Ji area. China has also taken targeted short-term and long-term measures, such as shutting down chemical and cement factories near Beijing and implementing rules to reduce vehicle emissions.

However, China's efforts to tackle air pollution have inadvertently contributed to global warming. While China's actions have not caused additional warming, they have removed the masking effect of aerosols, which previously created an artificial cooling effect. The removal of these sulphate aerosols, which reflect sunlight and influence cloud formation, has resulted in a net increase in global temperatures.

According to researchers, China's air pollution reduction efforts are responsible for the majority of the recent surge in global warming. Specifically, China's crackdown on air pollution has contributed to around 80% of the increased warming rate since 2010, translating to approximately 0.05°C (0.09°F) per decade. This extra warming accounts for about 5% of the total global temperature increase since 1850.

While the unintended consequences of China's actions have contributed to global warming, the measures were deemed necessary to protect human health and save lives. Previous research suggests that the air pollution reduction measures have helped prevent approximately 150,000 premature deaths annually.

Beijing's air quality improvement measures

Beijing's air quality has improved significantly over the past two decades, and the city has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution. In 1998, the Beijing municipal government published the first local government declaration in China on air pollution control, and from 1998 to 2011, the city established thorough air pollution control legislation and enforcement mechanisms. Over the next 15 years, Beijing implemented measures focused on energy infrastructure optimisation, coal-fired pollution control, and vehicle emission controls.

One of the key measures to improve air quality in Beijing was the reduction of coal-fired power plants and boilers. The city eliminated coal-fired power plants and renovated or dismantled all gas-fired boilers in the core city area. This resulted in a significant decrease in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). Beijing also introduced measures to control coal-fired boilers, provide cleaner domestic fuels, and restructure industries.

In preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing took strict, temporary measures to improve air quality, including shutting down some chemical and cement factories near the city and reducing the number of cars on the roads. The public health sector has also played a crucial role in informing government stakeholders and the public about the negative health impacts of air pollution.

To further reduce air pollution, Beijing authorities reintroduced bike-sharing schemes to increase the use of bicycles in the city. Additionally, the Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control in Jing-Jin-Ji Program was established to support the implementation of the government's Air Pollution Control Action Plan, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and expanding clean energy sources.

As a result of these efforts, Beijing has achieved remarkable improvements in ambient air quality. Between 2013 and 2022, the annual average concentrations of major air pollutants decreased significantly, with PM2.5 decreasing by 66.5%, SO2 by 88.7%, NO2 by 58.9%, and PM10 by 50%. These improvements have led to a substantial increase in life expectancy for Beijing residents.

China's leadership role in tackling air pollution

One of China's most notable efforts in tackling air pollution is the implementation of comprehensive air pollution control programs and action plans. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, supported by the World Bank, has played a crucial role in financing investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This program has successfully leveraged funding to mainstream green finance and support China's transition to cleaner energy sources. The Chinese government has also devised National Air Pollution Action Plans, with the 2013 plan setting specific targets, tightening emissions standards, and closing enforcement loopholes.

Beijing, the capital city, has been at the forefront of China's battle against air pollution. The city has made significant progress in curbing vehicle emissions and promoting electric mobility, improving the air quality for its residents. The Beijing Municipal Government has played a crucial role in driving these changes by implementing urgent measures, publishing weekly air quality reports, and engaging the public in the fight against air pollution.

China has also taken a leading role in electric transit, owning 99% of the world's electric buses. This leadership in electric mobility not only reduces air pollution but also contributes to the country's efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. China's actions have gained international acknowledgment, with a UNEP report highlighting its "lasting environmental legacy."

Additionally, China's efforts to tackle air pollution have had a positive impact on the life expectancy of its citizens. Research suggests that the reductions in airborne pollutants have led to an increase in life expectancy, with Beijing and Shanghai experiencing notable improvements. China's success in tackling air pollution has also laid the foundation for addressing other global environmental concerns, such as biodiversity, as outlined in the New Nature Economy Report.

China's transition to electric mobility

China has been taking significant steps to tackle air pollution and transition to electric mobility. The country has set ambitious goals, such as President Xi Jinping's pledge to reach peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. China's efforts have resulted in notable improvements, with research indicating that the country accounted for over 70% of global reductions in airborne pollutants over the last seven years.

One of the key strategies in China's transition to electric mobility is the mandate imposed on automakers, requiring that electric vehicles (EVs) make up 40% of all sales by 2030. This move is expected to have a substantial impact on the global EV market, as China is the largest car market in the world. The transition to EVs is anticipated to bring numerous environmental benefits, including reduced air pollution, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and enhanced energy security.

To support the transition, the Chinese government has provided generous subsidies and tax breaks for EV manufacturers and buyers. Additionally, the government has helped domestic EV companies by offering procurement contracts, particularly for public transportation. This dual approach has ensured a steady revenue stream for EV companies while also providing valuable road test data. As a result, China has become a world leader in both the production and adoption of EVs, with annual sales reaching 6.8 million in 2022.

Furthermore, China has made significant strides in addressing the challenges associated with EV charging infrastructure. As of 2024, China had access to 2.7 million public charging points for battery-electric vehicles, far surpassing the numbers available in the European Union and the United States. This extensive charging network is crucial for encouraging the wider adoption of EVs and reducing the range of anxiety among potential EV owners.

While the transition to electric mobility in China has been impressive, it is important to acknowledge the high societal cost associated with the forced EV adoption. The shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs will likely result in reduced disposable income for consumers, impacting their spending in other areas. Nevertheless, the environmental and health benefits of reduced air pollution and lower carbon emissions are expected to outweigh these costs in the long term.

Green financing to support air pollution control

China has made significant strides in tackling air pollution since 2008, and its efforts have accounted for over 70% of global reductions in airborne pollutants over the last decade. The country has implemented various measures to improve air quality, including taking rapid, radical measures to ensure the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics was a "Green Olympics". These measures included shutting down chemical and cement factories near Beijing and reducing the number of cars on the city's roads during the games.

However, achieving the Chinese government's environmental goals requires substantial green financing. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control in Jing-Jin-Ji Program was the first operation to use the Program for Result (PforR) instrument in the energy sector in China. The program aimed to support the government's Air Pollution Control Action Plan and the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) for energy efficiency and clean energy. It focused on controlling air pollutants at their source by improving energy efficiency and expanding clean energy sources. The program successfully brought in much-needed financing by mainstreaming green financing in financial institutions, such as Huaxia Bank, to contribute to the government's targets.

The World Bank has played a crucial role in supporting China's green financing efforts. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a part of the World Bank Group, provided a loan of $500 million, which has leveraged more than five times the original loan amount. This funding has substantially increased the financial support for the government's air pollution control programs. Additionally, the World Bank has worked closely with relevant government agencies, such as the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA), to align with China's environmental goals.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also contributing to China's green financing efforts, particularly in the Greater Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, which is a significant economic hub but consistently struggles with poor air quality. The proposed Green Financing Platform (GFP) by the ADB aims to introduce innovative financial instruments to mobilize private and social capital for green investments. The GFP will offer various financial products, including debt financing, loss guarantee support for low-carbon development, and mezzanine financing for promising SMEs.

Furthermore, China has introduced stringent environmental regulations, such as the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) in 2013, which incentivizes companies to increase applications for green inventions and improve their energy efficiency. These regulations, combined with government support and subsidies, encourage firms to innovate and transform their production processes towards greener and less polluting technologies.

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