China's War On Air Pollution

China has implemented a range of measures to combat air pollution, which has been a significant issue in the country, causing a public health crisis and killing more than 1.1 million people annually. In 2013, the Chinese government declared a war on air pollution and launched a five-year national air quality action plan, which included aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs, as well as the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Beijing. Beijing, in particular, has been a leader in electric mobility, with 99% of the world's electric buses and a focus on sustainable transportation. China has also received support from international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to finance its air pollution control programs. The country aims to further reduce hazardous airborne particles (PM2.5) and promote the use of electric vehicles, with fast-charging stations planned for key regions by 2025.

Electric vehicles and clean energy

China has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including a focus on electric vehicles and clean energy. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has recognised the need to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

One significant step is the promotion of electric vehicles. China has become a leader in electric transit, with 99% of the world's electric buses, a number expected to reach 600,000 by 2025. The government plans to establish fast-charging stations at 80% of highway service areas in key regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, by 2025. This shift towards electric mobility not only reduces air pollution but also contributes to the country's economic growth.

Beijing, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once known as the ''Kingdom of the Bicycle', the city experienced a shift towards cars, which led to severe air pollution. However, Beijing has now set an example for other cities by championing sustainable mobility. The city has expanded its urban rail network, introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZs), and encouraged the use of bicycles and its convenient subway system.

In addition to electric vehicles, China is also focusing on clean energy. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, supported by the World Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has provided substantial funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This program has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 2.5 million tons per year. China also aims to increase natural gas production and reduce coal consumption in regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta.

These measures demonstrate China's commitment to combating air pollution through the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of clean energy alternatives. While challenges remain, the country's efforts have resulted in significant improvements in air quality and are expected to positively impact the health and life expectancy of its citizens.

Afforestation and reforestation

China has been battling air pollution for several years, with the government introducing aggressive afforestation and reforestation programmes. China's reforestation efforts are aimed at environmental restoration, combating the significant challenges of deforestation, desertification, and air and water pollution.

China has invested over $100 billion in such programmes, with its forestry expenditure per hectare exceeding that of the US and Europe. One of the key initiatives is the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, a large-scale effort spanning 13 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities, totalling 4.069 million square kilometres. The programme aims to substantially boost tree coverage, with objectives including soil stabilization, sandstorm prevention, and enhancing ecological conditions in China's arid and semi-arid zones.

Another notable project is the Great Green Wall, which has seen more than 35 billion trees planted across 12 provinces. These afforestation and reforestation efforts are part of China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Research has highlighted the significance of forests in controlling carbon emissions, with studies suggesting that forest investment and management not only reduce carbon locally but also in neighbouring provinces. China's reforestation efforts also provide multiple benefits, such as improving biodiversity, supporting eco-tourism, and generating economic opportunities for local communities through sustainable forestry practices and the production of timber and non-timber forest products.

While China has made significant progress in its battle against air pollution, challenges remain. Despite the improvements, the average PM2.5 level in Beijing is still above the World Health Organization's recommended annual average. However, with continued efforts and investments in afforestation and reforestation, China is on a path towards cleaner air and a greener future.

Reducing coal consumption

China's rapid economic growth, population increase, and surging number of vehicles have put immense pressure on the city's environment, particularly its air quality. In 2013, China released the Action Plan on Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, which aimed to reduce direct coal consumption to 65% of primary energy by 2017 through alternatives, renewables, and energy efficiency measures.

In 2014, China planned to further limit coal's share in primary energy to 62% by 2020, introducing an ultra-low emissions policy for new coal-fired power plants to limit PM, SO2, and NOx emission concentrations. China has also invested heavily in clean energy, with solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries attracting significant investment. In 2022, clean energy contributed a record 11.4 trillion yuan (£154.4 billion) to China's economy, becoming the biggest driver of GDP growth.

China has also implemented policies to curb coal consumption and its impacts, such as closing backward mines and capping coal output and use. In 2019, China announced it had built "the world's largest clean coal power supply system" after completing ultra-low emissions and energy-saving revamps on the majority of its coal fleet. However, some experts argue that without specific targets on total coal consumption, it is unlikely that efficiency improvements alone will deliver large emissions reductions.

To reduce coal consumption in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, China has set a target of a 10% reduction from 2020 levels by 2025. Railway usage is also being encouraged, with a target of 90% of long-haul coal transport around key mining hubs in the northern and northwestern regions by 2025, reducing the need for road transport. China is also promoting the use of electric vehicles, with fast-charging stations planned for at least 80% of highway service areas in key regions by 2025.

Scrapping old, polluting cars

China has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including the scrapping of old, polluting cars. The country has set ambitious targets to improve air quality and meet its green goals.

In 2018, China announced plans to scrap up to six million vehicles that did not meet emission standards. This move was aimed at reducing air pollution and helping China achieve its energy-saving and emissions-reduction goals. The northern regions of China, including Hebei province and the capital city of Beijing, were particularly targeted, as they have been the worst affected by air pollution.

The municipal government of Beijing has played a proactive role in this initiative by offering subsidies to car owners who voluntarily scrap their old vehicles. Additionally, Beijing has implemented Low Emission Zones (LEZs), restricting access for polluting vehicles and incentivizing the adoption of cleaner, emission-compliant modes of transportation.

The impact of these measures has been significant. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, 7.8% of cars on China's roads were initially found to be below the minimum national standards. However, through the scrapping of old cars and the enforcement of stricter emission standards, China is making notable progress in its battle against air pollution.

The removal of older vehicles from the roads has not only helped China work towards its green targets, such as reducing energy consumption, but it has also contributed to the improvement of air quality in severely affected regions. By tackling vehicle emissions and promoting sustainable transportation, China is taking decisive steps to create greener horizons for its citizens.

Monitoring air quality

China has implemented various measures to combat air pollution and improve air quality. One key strategy has been the development and implementation of comprehensive air quality monitoring systems.

In 2016, Beijing established a cutting-edge integrated air quality monitoring network that utilised advanced technologies such as high-resolution satellite remote sensing and laser radar. This network, consisting of over 1000 sensors distributed across the city, played a crucial role in identifying areas and times with high emissions, allowing for more targeted and effective pollution control measures.

Beijing's experience with air quality monitoring has been influential, with the city serving as a guiding star for other metropolitan areas facing similar challenges. The success of Beijing's monitoring network has been attributed to its ability to precisely identify pollution hotspots and its integration with other initiatives, such as Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and sustainable transportation programmes.

China has also received support from international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in its efforts to combat air pollution. These organisations have provided financing and expertise to enhance the country's air pollution control programs, with a particular focus on improving the results measurement and verification systems.

Additionally, China has set ambitious targets for reducing hazardous airborne particles known as PM2.5. The country aims to cut the density of these particles by 10% compared to 2020 levels by 2025. To achieve this, China plans to promote the use of electric vehicles, increase natural gas production, curb high-emission projects, and reduce coal consumption in key regions.

While China has made significant progress in improving air quality, especially in major cities like Beijing, challenges remain. The average PM2.5 level in Beijing is still above the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline, and there has been a recent rebound in PM2.5 levels across many of China's provincial capitals. Continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies will be crucial in tackling air pollution and sustaining the gains made thus far.

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