Meghan Hodges
Shenzhen, a city of about 13 million people in southern China, has been praised for its efforts to combat pollution and improve its environmental sustainability. The city has implemented a range of initiatives, including the regeneration of the Dasha River Ecological Corridor, the transition from heavy industry to service and light manufacturing, and the promotion of electric vehicles. Despite these efforts, Shenzhen still faces challenges with air pollution, particularly during periods of unfavourable weather conditions, and continues to work towards improving its air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 13 million (2017 estimate) but could be as high as 20 million when including transient people |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 25.0 (fair) |
| PM2.5 | 19.0 µg/m³ |
| PM10 | 12.0 µg/m³ |
| NO2 | 25.0 µg/m³ |
| O3 | 9.0 µg/m³ |
| CO2 | 24 µg/m³ |
| SO2 | 24 µg/m³ |
| CO | 24 µg/m³ |
| Annual Average AQI | 103 |
| Days per year at this AQI level | 4 |
| Primary pollutant | Ozone (O3) |
| Main sources of pollution | Engineering industry, domestic stoves and heating boilers, waste gas from burning coal or oil |
| Pollution reduction initiatives | Electric vehicle (EV) transport, regeneration of the Dasha River Ecological Corridor, transition from heavy industry to service and light manufacturing, enforcing cleaner production standards |
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What You'll Learn
Shenzhen's air pollution
Shenzhen, a city of about 13 million inhabitants in southern China, has been taking steps to address its air pollution problem. In 2010, the Chinese government designated Shenzhen as one of 11 provinces and cities to develop and pilot low-carbon solutions for industry, transport, renewable energy, construction, consumption, and ecology.
Since then, Shenzhen has published two plans outlining a roadmap to low-carbon development. The first, in 2012, contained an initial analysis and recommendations, while the 2017 plan further systematized the design of a near-zero-carbon emission pilot zone. Shenzhen has also been one of seven locations to pilot a local form of the Emissions Trading System during China's testing phase, creating the country's first carbon market.
Shenzhen was also an early adopter of electric vehicle transport, including electrifying its fleet of public buses. By December 2017, Shenzhen had fully electrified its public bus fleet, putting 16,359 electric buses on the road. By the end of 2018, the city had over 20,000 fully electric taxis, saving nearly 70% of energy over traditional combustible engine taxis and reducing annual emissions by 856,000 tons per year.
Despite these efforts, Shenzhen still experiences air pollution. In 2020, the city had a "Moderate" level of air quality with a US AQI figure of 61. The concentration of other recorded airborne pollutants was as follows: PM2.5 was 18 µg/m³, PM10 - 54 µg/m³, ozone (O3) - 64.5 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - 24 µg/m³, sulphur dioxide (SO2) - 24 µg/m³, and carbon monoxide (CO) - 24 µg/m³. The engineering industry is a major source of pollution in Shenzhen, with emissions including black carbon, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Adverse weather conditions can also impact air quality in Shenzhen. For example, in late August and early September of one year, the city's air quality deteriorated significantly due to the impact of two successive typhoons, with pollution lasting for several days. The primary pollutant during this period was found to be ozone.
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Shenzhen's water pollution
Shenzhen, a city of about 13 million inhabitants in southern China, has been making efforts to reduce its pollution levels. In 2010, the Chinese government designated Shenzhen as one of 11 provinces and cities to develop and pilot low-carbon solutions for industry, transport, renewable energy, construction, consumption, and ecology.
Since then, Shenzhen has published two plans outlining a roadmap to low-carbon development. The first plan, released in 2012, contained an initial analysis and recommendations. The second plan, released in 2017, further systematized the design of a near-zero carbon emission pilot zone, defining the need for support structures, technical and policy systems, and concrete actions.
Shenzhen has also been experimenting with efforts to upgrade its industries, improve the quality of production and output, and embrace innovation while growing its GDP at about 8-10% annually. It was one of the first cities in China to convert its economic base from heavy industry to service and light manufacturing, and enforce cleaner production standards. For example, in 2017, the Shenzhen government mandated that its furniture manufacturing industry convert from solvent to water-borne furniture coatings to reduce VOC emissions.
In terms of water pollution specifically, while there is a lack of comprehensive data, it can be assumed that Shenzhen has been making progress in this area as well. As part of its efforts to reduce pollution and become more environmentally friendly, the city has focused on reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and decreasing energy consumption. These initiatives likely have positive effects on the water quality as well.
Shenzhen has also taken steps to address water pollution through the implementation of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Ecological and Environmental Protection Regulations. This includes a negative investment list of projects with excessive carbon emission intensity, further showcasing the city's commitment to reducing pollution and improving the environment.
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Shenzhen's climate-friendly policies
Shenzhen, a Chinese city of about 13 million people, has implemented various climate-friendly policies to address its pollution issues. Here are some of Shenzhen's key initiatives:
Electric Vehicle Transport: Shenzhen is a pioneer in electric vehicle transport, having fully electrified its public bus fleet by the end of 2017, with 16,359 electric buses on the road. By the end of 2018, the city had over 20,000 fully electric taxis, saving nearly 70% of energy compared to traditional combustible engine taxis and reducing annual emissions by 856,000 tons. Shenzhen also introduced a pilot green vehicle program, and it is the first city in the world to have all its buses run on batteries. This has contributed to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Low-Carbon Development: In 2010, the Chinese government designated Shenzhen as one of 11 provinces and cities to develop and pilot low-carbon solutions. Since then, Shenzhen has published plans outlining a roadmap to low-carbon development, including the 2017 plan for a near-zero carbon emission pilot zone. The city has successfully reduced energy intensity while increasing output and was one of the first in China to convert its economic base from heavy industry to service and light manufacturing, enforcing cleaner production standards.
Emissions Trading System: Shenzhen was one of seven locations chosen to pilot a local Emissions Trading System during China's testing phase. This initiative created the country's first carbon market, allowing the largest companies in the city to trade carbon emission allowances.
Waterway Restoration: Shenzhen is the first Chinese city to restore its wild waterways. The Dasha River Ecological Corridor, an 8.5-mile-long greenway, is a notable project. Once a "gray infrastructure" providing only flood control, it has been transformed into a vibrant natural space with plants, flowers, and wildlife. The vegetation was carefully selected to filter pollutants from rainwater and wastewater, creating a new habitat.
Industry Regulations: Shenzhen has taken steps to regulate its industries to reduce pollution. For example, in 2017, the government mandated that the furniture manufacturing industry convert from solvent to water-borne coatings to reduce VOC emissions.
Shenzhen's efforts to improve its environmental sustainability have been recognised, and the city is now known for having some of the lowest air pollution rates in China.
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Shenzhen's electric vehicles
Shenzhen, a city in southern China, has been working to reduce its air pollution levels over the past decade. In 2010, the Chinese government designated Shenzhen as one of 11 provinces and cities to develop and pilot low-carbon solutions, and since then, the city has published two plans outlining a roadmap to low-carbon development.
One of the key focuses of Shenzhen's efforts to reduce pollution has been the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). Shenzhen was one of the first cities globally to fully embrace electric vehicle transport, and by 2017, it had fully electrified its public bus fleet, putting 16,359 electric buses on the road. The city also had over 20,000 fully electric taxis by the end of 2018, saving nearly 70% of energy over traditional combustible engine taxis and reducing annual emissions by 856,000 tons. In addition to buses and taxis, Shenzhen has also been converting ride-hailing services and ambulances to electric propulsion, and by the end of 2021, the city had 24,000 electric taxis and over 60,000 privately owned electric vehicles. Electric vehicles made up 25% of the total private vehicles, with more than 250,000 on the roads. Shenzhen has also been installing charging stations and hubs across the city, with over 5,000 charging stations and 80,000 charging hubs as of 2023.
The Chinese government has played a significant role in the promotion of electric vehicles in Shenzhen and the rest of the country. The government has provided generous subsidies to both domestic and foreign EV companies, totaling about $41.4 billion according to Chinese media. Shenzhen-based company BYD, one of China's foremost e-mobility companies, has become the world's top EV maker by sales, overtaking Tesla. BYD was selected as the supplier of electric buses and charging equipment for Shenzhen, and the company has also been exhibiting its innovative technologies in battery and vehicle development at international events.
The adoption of electric vehicles in Shenzhen has had a positive impact on the city's air quality. One visitor to Shenzhen remarked that due to the reduced exhaust gas emissions brought about by EVs, they felt the air in Shenzhen was as clean as that in Tokyo. The overall penetration rate of new energy vehicles in Shenzhen has exceeded 60%, making it the number one city for new energy vehicles in the world. Shenzhen has held the title for the city with the most registered electric vehicles for six consecutive years since 2014, and with its continued efforts to promote and expand the use of electric vehicles, it is likely to continue its success in this area.
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Shenzhen's air quality index
Shenzhen, a large sub-provincial city in southern China, has been making efforts to reduce its air pollution. In 2010, the Chinese government designated Shenzhen as a pilot zone for low-carbon development, and the city has since published two plans outlining a roadmap to achieving this goal. Shenzhen has implemented various measures to improve its air quality, including electrifying its public bus fleet and taxis, resulting in significant reductions in emissions and energy consumption.
Despite these efforts, Shenzhen has recently experienced a decline in air quality due to adverse weather conditions and the impact of successive typhoons. The city's temperature and wind conditions contribute to poor diffusion of atmospheric pollutants, leading to an increase in atmospheric photochemical reactions, especially with ozone. As a result, Shenzhen's Air Quality Index (AQI) value exceeded 100 for four days in late August and early September, with all days classified as polluted.
According to the World Air Quality Index, Shenzhen's overall AQI was 42 on Friday, June 13th, 2025, 08:29 am CST. The breakdown of the AQI for specific pollutants is as follows: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI of 42, PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI of 29, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI of 14, SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI of 4, O3 (ozone) AQI of 12, and CO (carbon monoxide) AQI of 8.
Towards the end of 2020, Shenzhen's air quality was at a "Moderate" level, with a US AQI figure of 61. The concentration of other recorded airborne pollutants included PM2.5 at 18 µg/m³, PM10 at 54 µg/m³, ozone (O3) at 64.5 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 24 µg/m³, sulphur dioxide (SO2) at 24 µg/m³, and carbon monoxide (CO) at 24 µg/m³. The average annual recording for 2019 was 23.4 µg/m³, which is also classified as "Moderate" according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Shenzhen's Ministry of Environment and Ecology published a draft local 14th Five-Year Plan for environmental protection in early 2021, aiming to solicit input from public opinion. The plan includes pilot projects to peak emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and create carbon sinks, along with measures to enhance the city's climate resilience. Shenzhen is committed to reducing pollution and improving its air quality through various initiatives and regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Shenzhen's air quality is moderate, with a US AQI of 61. The concentration of other airborne pollutants is as follows: PM2.5 is 18 µg/m³, PM10 is 54 µg/m³, ozone (O3) is 64.5 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is 24 µg/m³, sulphur dioxide (SO2) is 24 µg/m³, and carbon monoxide (CO) is 24 µg/m³.
Shenzhen has implemented a range of measures to improve its air quality, including embracing electric vehicle transport, with the full electrification of its public bus fleet, and the promotion of electric taxis. The city has also launched a pilot green vehicle program and is home to BYD, one of China's foremost e-mobility companies. Shenzhen has also improved its sewage networks and implemented environmental regeneration projects, such as the Dasha River Ecological Corridor.
Shenzhen has made significant progress in improving its water quality. In 2019, it became the first city in China to restore its wild waterways, and since 2016, the city has built close to 4,000 miles of sewage networks using rainwater diversion technology.
As of 2021, Shenzhen is considered one of China's cities with the lowest air pollution rates. The city has published plans for low-carbon development and has implemented measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality. However, there are still days where the air quality declines due to adverse weather conditions, such as typhoons.
