Strategies To Combat Air Pollution In China

China has made significant progress in improving its air quality, particularly since the launch of its anti-pollution campaign in 2013, which focused on reducing PM2.5 particulate matter. This campaign halved the average concentration of PM2.5 in the country between 2013 and 2019. Experts have suggested a range of measures to further combat air pollution in China, including aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs, transitioning away from fossil fuels, implementing clean energy financing, and continuing to focus on controlling air pollutants at their source by improving energy efficiency.

Reforestation and afforestation programmes

China has been facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis, with air pollution causing approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in 2019 alone. The country has been working to improve its air quality, and reforestation and afforestation programmes have been key strategies in this battle.

China has invested over $100 billion in aggressive afforestation and reforestation programmes, such as the Great Green Wall, which has seen over 35 billion trees planted across 12 provinces. This initiative has helped China exceed the forestry expenditure per hectare of the US and Europe, with a rate three times higher than the global average.

The Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as "Three Norths Shelterbelt", is another large-scale afforestation effort. Initiated in 1978 or 1998, it spans 13 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities, covering a total area of 4.069 million square kilometres. The programme aims to halt the expansion of the Gobi Desert, prevent sandstorms, and enhance ecological conditions in China's arid and semi-arid zones. It also seeks to stabilise soil and prevent deforestation and habitat loss by offering subsidies to farmers and local communities to compensate for lost income from logging.

China's reforestation efforts are vital for several reasons. Firstly, forests act as a buffer against climate change, providing habitats for diverse species and livelihoods for millions of people. Secondly, reforestation helps China work towards its goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, with projections suggesting that carbon prices will motivate land users to enhance reforestation efforts. Additionally, reforestation can positively impact other industries, such as renewable energy, non-timber forest products, and green technology, by encouraging sustainable practices.

However, China's afforestation and reforestation efforts have faced challenges and criticisms. There are significant regional disparities in forest coverage due to various geographical factors, with some provinces exhibiting lower forest coverage due to their primary role as grain-producing regions. Additionally, the central government's afforestation strategy has been criticised for focusing on quantity over quality, with a large proportion of planted tree seeds failing to root, and the negative impact of planting non-native tree species and overplanting leading to water shortages. To maximise environmental protection, experts recommend that authorities actively preserve natural woodlands and develop ecologically sustainable planting strategies involving native species.

Prohibiting new coal-fired power plants

China's economic growth has been largely dependent on fossil fuels, which has resulted in severe air pollution. Coal-fired power plants have been a major contributor to this issue, with China's coal plants generating 70.4% to 82.5% of the country's power.

In response to this, the Chinese government has prohibited the construction of new coal-fired power plants and has shut down several older plants in highly polluted regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas. This action was part of the government's anti-pollution campaign, which aimed to reduce PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter.

The prohibition of new coal-fired power plants is a crucial step in reducing air pollution in China. By halting the construction of new plants, China can focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources and improving air quality. This prohibition also sends a strong signal to regional coal and energy companies that the country is committed to reducing its reliance on coal and transitioning to cleaner alternatives.

Furthermore, the prohibition of new coal-fired power plants is aligned with China's pledge to "strictly limit the increase in coal consumption" made by President Xi Jinping in 2021. This pledge demonstrates the government's recognition of the environmental and socioeconomic threats posed by air pollution and its commitment to taking decisive action.

While the prohibition of new coal-fired power plants is a positive step, it is important to acknowledge the existing coal-fired power plants' continued contribution to air pollution. China has implemented retrofitting measures, such as installing air pollution control devices and improving power generation efficiency, to mitigate the environmental impact of these existing plants.

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions

China has implemented a variety of measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat air pollution. Here are some key strategies:

• The Chinese government has invested in renewable energy and emissions control. For example, the Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program has received funding from the World Bank and other sources, totalling $1.3 billion. This program focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, contributing to a reduction of 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
• China has also targeted the reduction of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which has resulted in a resolution to the issue of deteriorating acid rain in 2007.
• To address ground-level ozone pollution, China has implemented control strategies that target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides emitted by vehicles.
• China has prohibited the construction of new coal-fired power plants and shut down older plants in highly polluted regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas.
• The government has introduced aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs, such as the Great Green Wall, planting over 35 billion trees across 12 provinces.
• China has made efforts to improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy sources, with a focus on controlling air pollutants at their source.
• The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region, which previously experienced severe air pollution, has seen improvements through the implementation of various control programs and a shift towards clean energy financing.

These measures have contributed to significant reductions in pollution levels and associated health risks, with China making substantial progress in its battle against air pollution.

Improving energy efficiency

China's rapid economic growth has been powered by fossil fuels, which has resulted in serious air pollution. To address this, China has launched several anti-pollution campaigns and action plans, with a focus on reducing PM2.5, which is deemed the most harmful particulate matter.

One key strategy to improve air quality is to improve energy efficiency and reduce coal consumption in the industrial and building sectors. This can be achieved by providing financial support and incentives to enterprises that utilize clean energy and energy-efficient technologies. For example, the Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control in Jing-Jin-Ji Program has supported enterprises in reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions by increasing energy efficiency. Additionally, the government can invest in and promote the use of clean energy vehicles, as well as provide tax relief for consumers who purchase environmentally friendly products and services.

Another strategy is to improve the clean and efficient use of fossil energy. The World Energy Outlook 2017 China Special Report showed that China intends to intensify energy technology innovation and accelerate the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system. This includes implementing emission control measures, such as flue gas desulfurization and denitrification, to reduce the concentration of harmful gases like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other polluting gases.

By combining short-term measures with long-term pollution control policies, China can effectively improve its air quality and mitigate climate change, while also addressing the health impacts of air pollution on its citizens.

Reducing sulphur dioxide emissions

China's rapid economic growth has been largely attributed to its consumption of fossil fuels, which has had a detrimental impact on the country's air quality. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, in particular, have been a significant contributor to China's air pollution crisis, with emissions peaking at just over 38 million tonnes per year in 2006.

To tackle this issue, the Chinese government implemented a range of measures as part of its National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control. This included targeting major sources of SO2 emissions, such as power plants and large industrial boilers, and enforcing strict emission reduction goals and limits. Industrial polluters that failed to reduce their SO2 emissions faced substantial fines. In addition, outdated technologies and older vehicles were phased out, and regulatory changes were made to improve collaboration between the central government and provincial cadres. These measures were embedded in the ruling party's Five-Year Plans, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the issue.

The results of these efforts have been significant, with China reducing its SO2 emissions by more than two-thirds in the last 15 years. By 2019, annual emissions had decreased to around 12 million tonnes, less than a third of the previous amount. This rapid reduction has contributed to improvements in air quality across China, reducing the amount of particulate matter and aerosols in the air and leading to positive knock-on effects on soil and water quality.

To further enhance these gains, China introduced aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs, such as the Great Green Wall, planting over 35 billion trees across 12 provinces. These initiatives, backed by investments of over $100 billion, have contributed to the country's significant improvements in air quality.

Looking forward, China's ongoing battle against air pollution remains a key priority. Building on the success of its initial campaigns, China launched a three-year Action Plan for Winning the Blue Sky War in 2018, mandating an 18% reduction in PM2.5 levels in 231 cities. While challenges remain, China's progress in reducing sulphur dioxide emissions and improving air quality is undeniable, and its efforts will continue to shape the country's environmental trajectory.

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