Deadly Air: Counting China's Pollution Victims

Air pollution is a significant problem in China, threatening the health of its citizens and the global economy. According to a study in The Lancet, an estimated 1.24 million people died from air pollution in 2017, with over 30 million deaths attributed to air pollution since 2000. China is the world's leading emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, and its ongoing construction of coal-fired power plants further exacerbates the issue. While China has made efforts to improve air quality, particularly during the COVID-19 era, the levels of PM2.5 pollution still exceed WHO guidelines, posing severe health risks to its population.

China's air pollution: a threat to global health and the world's economy

China's air pollution problem has been well-documented, with the country facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis that threatens not only its citizens but also global health and the world's economy.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, with energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide increasing by more than 80% between 2005 and 2019. This noxious air pollution has severe consequences, with an estimated 1.24 million people dying from exposure to air pollution in the PRC in 2017 alone, according to a study in The Lancet. Since 2000, the number of deaths attributed to air pollution in the PRC exceeds 30 million, as reported by New Scientist magazine.

The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) approach to economic development has come at a significant environmental cost. The country's rapid industrialization and reliance on coal as a cheap energy source have resulted in intense levels of air pollution, presenting serious social, economic, and political challenges. While China has taken steps to address the issue, such as the anti-pollution campaign launched in 2013, which successfully reduced PM2.5 levels, it continues to face difficulties in balancing economic growth with environmental and social welfare.

The economic costs of air pollution in China are substantial. A 2018 report by Greenpeace and the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimated that air pollution resulted in economic losses of up to 6.6% of China's GDP. Additionally, a study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong estimated a loss of RMB 267 billion ($38 billion) in annual revenue due to early deaths and reduced food production as a direct result of air pollution.

China's air pollution problem extends beyond its borders, impacting the global community. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing has played a pivotal role in monitoring and addressing this issue, beginning with its public disclosure of air quality data in 2008. This initiative prompted China to strengthen its standards for monitoring and improving air quality. Now, U.S. embassies and consulates are monitoring air pollution in over 70 cities worldwide through the ZephAir mobile application, providing reliable information to help people protect themselves from this leading cause of death.

While China has made notable improvements in air quality during the Covid era, it is premature to declare victory in the war against pollution. The country continues to grapple with the challenge of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, and the annual reduction in PM2.5 levels has slowed since 2018. China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 is a positive step, but the lack of detailed plans raises questions about its ability to meet this goal.

Air pollution-related deaths in China: a leading cause

Air pollution is a leading cause of death in China, with approximately 1.4 million premature deaths attributed to ambient PM2.5 pollution in 2019 alone, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. This figure is supported by a recent study in the medical journal The Lancet, which estimated that 1.24 million people died from air pollution in China in 2017. Since 2000, the number of people who have died from air pollution in the country is estimated to top 30 million.

Outdoor air pollution in China is a severe environmental and health concern, with respiratory diseases being the most prevalent health effect. Studies have found a direct relationship between air pollution and respiratory mortality, with thousands of cases of respiratory mortality assessed in Xi'an, China, from 2014 to 2016. The mortality rate attributed to chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, was 62.9%. Other health effects associated with air pollution include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer, and various chronic diseases.

China has been facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis due to air pollution, and the government has displayed strong autonomy in policymaking to address this issue. In 2013, an anti-pollution campaign was launched, focusing on controlling PM2.5, deemed the most harmful particulate matter. As a result, the average PM2.5 concentration dropped by 50% from 2013 to 2019, and China continued to improve air quality during the Covid era from 2020 to 2022. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 in 339 major Chinese cities fell to 29 μg/m³ in 2022.

Despite these improvements, China still has a long way to go in its battle against air pollution. The country is increasing its construction of coal-fired power plants, the largest contributor to CO2 in the air. Additionally, PM2.5 concentrations still exceed the WHO Air Quality Guideline for China, and recent increases in Chinese coal-burning capacity will pose challenges to reducing air pollution levels and meeting climate change goals. However, China now boasts the fastest air quality improvement worldwide, and blue skies have returned, evident to both residents and visitors.

China's anti-pollution campaign: controlling PM2.5

Air pollution kills nearly 1 million people per year in China, with an estimated 1.24 million dying from exposure in 2017 alone. Since 2000, over 30 million people in China have died from air pollution. China is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, and its air pollution is a threat to global health and the global economy.

In 2013, the Chinese government launched an anti-pollution campaign focused on controlling PM2.5, deemed the most harmful particulate matter. This campaign, the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP), cost $270 billion and covered more than 300 cities, spanning the energy, industry, transport, legal, and regulatory sectors. By 2019, the average PM2.5 concentration had dropped by 50%, from 72 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) in 2013 to 36 μg/m³. The number of premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 pollution in China also fell from approximately 1.4 million in 2019 to 1.34 million in 2022.

Despite these improvements, China's war against pollution is far from over. While PM2.5 levels have decreased, other pollutants, such as ozone (O3), are on the rise. Before the pandemic, there was a significant increase in O3 concentration, contributing to a rise in ozone-related deaths. China is also increasing its construction of coal-fired power plants, the largest contributor to CO2 in the air.

Furthermore, the health benefits of PM2.5 pollution reduction are not well understood, and more ambitious policies are needed to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3. There is also a lack of understanding of the sources of PM2.5 pollution, with most research focusing on domestic emissions while neglecting the impact of foreign anthropogenic emissions.

China now boasts the fastest air quality improvement worldwide, and blue skies have returned to the country. However, it must continue to build on its successes and address the remaining challenges to truly win its war against pollution.

China's air quality improvements: fastest worldwide

China has made significant strides in improving its air quality, with a particular focus on reducing PM2.5 pollution, which is deemed the most harmful particulate matter. From 2013 to 2021, China's annual average PM2.5 concentration and sulfur dioxide concentration saw dramatic drops of about 56% and 78%, respectively. This improvement is attributed to the country's anti-pollution campaign, which demonstrated the government's strong autonomy in policymaking and ability to implement changes. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019, but thanks to the campaign, the average PM2.5 concentration decreased by 50% from 2013 to 2019.

China's progress in air quality improvement is evident to both its residents and visitors. The country now boasts the fastest air quality improvement worldwide, and its success in steeply reducing pollution has led to a decline in global pollution levels. The improvements can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the government's commitment, policy changes, and economic incentives. Beijing, in particular, has been praised for its impressive air quality improvements, providing a model for other cities to follow.

Despite these improvements, China still faces challenges in its battle against air pollution. Since 2018, the annual reduction in PM2.5 levels has slowed, and there are concerns about increasing dependency on fossil fuels. The country is also the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, threatening global health and the economy. However, China has committed to carbon neutrality by 2060, and its efforts in the "golden decade" of air pollution prevention and control should not be understated.

The benefits of China's air quality improvements are significant. According to a University of Chicago study, if the pollution reduction is sustained, there could be a potential increase of 2.2 years in average life expectancy for China. Additionally, the health benefits of improved air quality can account for about 1-4% of GDP, emphasizing the positive impact on both the well-being of its citizens and the economy.

While China has made remarkable progress in improving its air quality, it is important to acknowledge that the battle against air pollution is ongoing. The country must continue to address the challenges posed by increasing pollutant levels and dependency on fossil fuels to sustain and further enhance the gains made thus far. Nonetheless, China's air quality improvements are the fastest worldwide, and its efforts have positively impacted both its citizens and the global community.

Air pollution and respiratory mortality: a relationship

Air pollution is a leading cause of death in China, with an estimated 1.24 million people dying from exposure to air pollution in 2017, according to a study in The Lancet. Since 2000, over 30 million people in China have died from air pollution. China is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, and its air pollution poses a threat to its citizens, global health, and the world's economy.

The relationship between air pollution and respiratory mortality is well-established. Decades of research have confirmed that breathing particle pollution is deadly, with a clear link between long-term exposure to particulate matter and mortality. Studies have found a relationship between short-term exposure to particle pollution and respiratory effects, including elevated morbidity, hospital admissions, and excess mortality. Respiratory effects associated with particle pollution can be severe, resulting in emergency department visits and hospital admissions for conditions such as COPD and respiratory infections.

Fine particle pollution is associated with an increased risk of premature death, particularly from respiratory and cardiovascular causes. Research has shown that reducing PM2.5 concentrations improves respiratory health, with a 50% decrease in PM2.5 concentration in China between 2013 and 2019, contributing to improved air quality. China has made significant progress in reducing pollution, with blue skies returning to many regions, and the country now boasts the fastest air quality improvement worldwide.

However, climate change amplifies air pollution levels, and the combination of the two synergistically harms respiratory health. Climate change-induced heatwaves, storms, and wildfires can intensify air pollution, increasing hospitalizations from respiratory conditions. Vulnerable populations, including children and those with pre-existing respiratory diseases, are at greater risk of adverse health effects from air pollution. Overall, air pollution and respiratory mortality are closely linked, and addressing air pollution through policy interventions and public health efforts is crucial to protect respiratory health and enhance public health outcomes.

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