Air Pollution's Deadly Toll In China

Air pollution is a pressing issue in China, causing about 2 million deaths annually. While China has made notable improvements in air quality, particularly during the Covid era, it is premature to celebrate the end of its war against pollution. China's ageing population is particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution, and without accelerated action, air pollution deaths are projected to rise. This complex issue involves economic development, energy consumption, and environmental justice, with a pressing need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Air pollution kills 7 million people worldwide annually

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that claims the lives of approximately 7 million people every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. This alarming rate of air pollution is driven by various factors, including industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage.

China, in particular, has faced an unprecedented environmental health crisis, with air pollution contributing to about 2 million deaths in the country annually. However, China has also demonstrated significant progress in improving its air quality. For instance, between 2013 and 2019, the average PM2.5 concentration dropped by 50%, from 72 micrograms per cubic meter to 36 micrograms per cubic meter. This improvement is attributed to the country's anti-pollution campaigns and continued efforts during the Covid era from 2020 to 2022.

Despite these improvements, China and other countries must remain vigilant in their fight against air pollution. Without accelerated action, air pollution deaths are projected to increase due to the growing ageing population and their increased vulnerability to air pollution-related diseases. To address this challenge, countries need to implement policies and interventions that promote sustainable land use, cleaner household energy, improved waste management, and better municipal waste management.

Moreover, air pollution is not just a health issue but also a planetary crisis interconnected with climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Reducing air pollution is crucial for improving human health and addressing these broader environmental challenges. By working together and taking collective action, we can combat air pollution and create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

China's air pollution is mainly caused by industry, transportation, and coal power plants

Air pollution is a pressing issue in China, causing an estimated 2 million deaths per year. While China has made some progress in improving air quality, particularly during the Covid era, it remains a significant problem. The main causes of air pollution in China are industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage.

Industry is a major contributor to air pollution in China. The industrialisation of China has led to various forms of pollution, causing widespread environmental and health issues. According to the Chinese Ministry of Health, industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in the country. Fine particles released by industrial activities can penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

Transportation is another significant factor in China's air pollution. The immense urban growth in Chinese cities has led to an increased need for vehicles, contributing to the burning of fossil fuels and the formation of smog. Smog poses a direct threat to the health of Chinese citizens, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Coal power plants are also major contributors to China's air pollution. The burning of coal releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM2.5), which is deemed the most harmful. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019. However, China's anti-pollution campaign launched in 2013 has shown positive results, reducing the average PM2.5 concentration by 50% from 2013 to 2019.

Lastly, household solid fuel usage plays a role in China's air pollution. Household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies causes approximately 1 million deaths per year in China.

While China has made some progress in reducing air pollution, particularly through its anti-pollution campaigns, the country needs to accelerate its efforts to protect its ageing population from the adverse health effects of air pollution.

China's air quality improved during the Covid era

Air pollution in China has been a cause for concern for many years, with the country facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis. In 2013, the Chinese government ordered factories to scale back emissions as the nation experienced one of its worst periods of air quality. The media was allowed to report on the alarming pollution crisis, with residents of Beijing and other cities warned to stay inside due to the hazardous conditions.

China has made some progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. An anti-pollution campaign launched in 2013 focused on controlling PM2.5, deemed the most harmful particulate matter. This campaign resulted in a 50% reduction in average PM2.5 concentration by 2019. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019. The age-standardized death rate attributable to air pollution decreased by 60.6% between 1990 and 2017.

During the Covid era (2020-2022), China's air quality continued to improve. The strict lockdown measures implemented to control the spread of Covid-19 resulted in reduced social and economic activities, including transportation and industrial production. This led to a rapid reduction in the emission of air pollutants from vehicle exhaust and industrial production. The carbon emission rate decreased by 25% in China during the lockdown as factories were closed, and people stayed at home. The average annual concentration of PM2.5 in 339 major Chinese cities fell to 29 μg/m³ in 2022, with an increasing number of days classified as having good air quality.

However, it is important to note that the improvement in air quality during the Covid era may be temporary. As economic activities resume post-Covid, air pollution levels may rise again. China's increasing coal-burning capacity, for example, will pose challenges to continuing progress in reducing air pollution levels. While China has made significant strides in improving air quality, it is premature to celebrate the end of its war against pollution.

China's anti-pollution campaign in 2013 reduced PM2.5 concentration by 50% by 2019

Air pollution is a critical issue in China, causing an estimated one to two million deaths per year. The Chinese government has been working to combat this problem, and in 2013, it launched an anti-pollution campaign, specifically targeting PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter. This campaign, called the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP), was successful in reducing PM2.5 concentrations by 50% by 2019, from 72 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) in 2013 to 36 μg/m³ in 2019.

The reduction in PM2.5 concentrations resulted in significant health benefits for the Chinese population. According to a study, the number of deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution (DAPP) in 2017 was reduced by 64,000 compared to 2013, despite an overall increase in DAPP during that period. The improvement in air quality is also projected to increase the average life expectancy in China by 2.2 years if the reductions in pollution levels are sustained.

While China has made notable progress in improving its air quality, it is premature to declare victory in the war against pollution. Recent data shows that PM2.5 levels in China's provincial capitals, including Beijing, rebounded in 2023 after a decade of decline since 2013. This increase in PM2.5 levels occurred in 80% of the provincial capitals. Additionally, there has been a concerning rise in ozone (O3) levels, which contribute to ozone-related mortality and exacerbate respiratory conditions.

To address the ongoing pollution challenge, China needs to accelerate its environmental response, especially considering its ageing population, which is more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. More ambitious policies and sustained efforts are required to meet the long-term air quality targets and further reduce the health burden of air pollution on the Chinese population.

In conclusion, China's anti-pollution campaign launched in 2013 effectively reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 50% by 2019. However, the battle against air pollution is ongoing, and continued efforts are necessary to protect the health and well-being of China's population.

Air pollution is responsible for 2 million deaths in China per year

Air pollution is responsible for approximately 2 million deaths in China each year. Of these deaths, ambient air pollution alone causes over 1 million, while household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies causes another million. Industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage are major contributors to air pollution.

In 2019, China launched an anti-pollution campaign that focused on reducing PM2.5 particulate matter, which is deemed the most harmful. As a result of this campaign, the average PM2.5 concentration dropped by 50%, from 72 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to 36 μg/m³ in 2019. China continued to improve its air quality during the Covid era (2020-2022), with the average annual concentration of PM2.5 in 339 major Chinese cities falling to 29 μg/m³ in 2022. Despite these improvements, air pollution in China remains at an alarming rate, affecting both the economy and people's quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people worldwide every year, and 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. In China, the problem of air pollution is especially acute, with the Western Pacific region bearing the highest share of air pollution deaths globally. The ageing population in China also contributes to the vulnerability of its people to the adverse health effects of air pollution, as older individuals are more likely to suffer from diseases impacted by air pollution, such as lung cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and chronic heart disease.

While China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, particularly through its anti-pollution campaigns, it is important to note that the country's battle against pollution is ongoing. For instance, China's escalating reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, remains a significant contributor to air pollution. Without accelerated action, air pollution deaths in China are projected to increase by between 116,000 and 181,000 per year from 2030 to 2060. Therefore, China needs to speed up its environmental response to protect its ageing population and continue striving for even more aggressive reductions in air pollution.

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