Helena Joyce
China is facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis, with various forms of pollution causing widespread environmental and health problems. China's pollution levels in 2021 had fallen 42% from 2013, according to a report, making it a rare success story in the region. However, China remains the world's 13th most polluted country, and the overall level of air pollution remains unhealthy. The country's pollution crisis has been exacerbated by population growth, industrialisation, and projects that do not meet international standards. Air pollution in China leads to about 2 million deaths annually and is responsible for reducing the average Chinese resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years.
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What You'll Learn
- China's pollution levels are decreasing, but still exceed the WHO guideline
- Air pollution is responsible for around 2 million deaths in China annually
- Soil pollution is threatening food safety and sustainable agriculture
- China's plastic waste is polluting the environment
- China's coal-burning power plants are the world's biggest source of mercury air pollution
China's pollution levels are decreasing, but still exceed the WHO guideline
China's pollution levels are decreasing, but the country still has a long way to go to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. The Chinese government declared a "war on pollution" in 2014, and since then, the country has made significant progress in reducing fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5). By 2022, pollution levels had decreased by 41% compared to 2013 levels. This reduction in pollution is expected to increase the average Chinese citizen's life expectancy by 2 years compared to 2013, provided that these improvements are sustained.
However, China's pollution levels still significantly exceed the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Particulate pollution shortens an average Chinese resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years relative to what it would be if the WHO guideline was met. In China's most polluted prefecture, Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, the average person is expected to lose 4.3 years of their life expectancy compared to the WHO guideline. Additionally, 99.9% of China's 1.4 billion people live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO guideline. If pollution levels remain unchanged, China could lose up to 3.6 billion total life years.
China's pollution problem is a result of rapid industrialization, population growth, and the increasing number of vehicles on the road. The country's industrialization has led to intense levels of air pollution, causing serious social, economic, and political issues. The Chinese government has implemented measures to improve air quality, but balancing economic growth with environmental and social welfare remains a significant challenge.
To address pollution, China has taken several steps, including banning the importation of electronic waste and implementing laws for the proper disposal of domestic waste. Additionally, in 2008, China banned supermarkets, department stores, and shops from providing free plastic bags, encouraging the use of cloth bags instead. Despite these efforts, China's pollution levels remain high, and the country continues to face the difficult task of balancing economic development with environmental protection.
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Air pollution is responsible for around 2 million deaths in China annually
China's air pollution is a significant threat to its people and the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for about 2 million deaths in China annually. This figure comprises approximately 1 million deaths from ambient air pollution and another million deaths from household air pollution. The harmful particles in the air that people are exposed to penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing serious health issues.
The main sources of air pollution in China include industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage. These sources have led to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which has severe health consequences. The average annual population-weighted PM2.5 exposure in China was 52.7 μg/m3 in 2017, which is considerably higher than the WHO guideline of 5 μg/m3. As a result, the average Chinese resident's life expectancy is shortened by up to 2.5 years relative to the WHO guideline.
The health impacts of air pollution in China are significant. Diseases caused or exacerbated by air pollution include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, and acute lower respiratory infections. These diseases have led to high rates of morbidity and mortality in the country. According to a report by the Chinese Ministry of Health, industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in China. Furthermore, the economic costs of air pollution are substantial, affecting both China's economy and the world's economy.
China has recognized the severity of its pollution problem and has made some progress in addressing it. Since the country announced a “war against pollution” in 2014, fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) levels have been decreasing. From 2013 to 2022, pollution levels dropped by 41%, resulting in potential gains in life expectancy for Chinese citizens. Additionally, China has implemented bans on plastic bags and the importation of electronic waste to reduce waste pollution.
However, challenges remain. China is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, and its emissions continue to increase. Population growth has also contributed to the problem, with 99.9% of China's 1.4 billion people living in areas where particulate pollution levels exceed the WHO guideline. As a result, China stands to lose 3.6 billion total life years if current pollution levels persist. While China's overall particulate pollution average complies with its national standard, 30.9% of the population lives in areas that exceed this standard. Therefore, continued and sustained efforts are necessary to improve air quality and reduce the devastating health and economic impacts of air pollution in China.
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Soil pollution is threatening food safety and sustainable agriculture
China is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury. The country's air pollution is a threat to its citizens and the world. An estimated 1.24 million people died from exposure to air pollution in China in 2017, according to a study in The Lancet.
In addition to air pollution, China is facing challenges with soil pollution, which is threatening food safety and sustainable agriculture. Soil pollution is caused by heavy metals, organic chemicals such as pesticides, biological pathogens, and micro/nanoplastic particles. These pollutants contaminate the soil and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in polluted irrigation wastewaters is also a growing concern.
Soil is foundational to human health. It is needed to grow crops, provide food, and sustain populations. Soil pollution reduces the soil's ability to yield food and results in food crop contamination and disease. In the context of fast-growing global trade, the risk of soil degradation and erosion in China is heightened due to a shortage of nutrient recycling and loss of soil carbon. The "Protecting Black Soil Plan" has been proposed to save the soil for sustainable agriculture in China by carefully designing the coupling between soils, livestock, and humans to recycle nutrients, reduce environmental pollution, and maintain a sustainable soil-nutrient balance.
Soil pollution also has far-reaching consequences for food safety and security. The presence of toxic contaminants in agricultural soil can lead to the bioaccumulation of harmful chemicals in the human body, potentially causing chronic health conditions such as cancers, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children. The challenge is further exacerbated by the emerging threat of microplastics, whose long-term impacts are only beginning to be understood.
Addressing soil pollution and its impact on food safety and sustainable agriculture requires collaborative efforts and a shift towards sustainable practices. Implementing innovative remediation technologies and robust policies aimed at protecting soil health is essential to ensure the production of safe and nutritious food for future generations.
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China's plastic waste is polluting the environment
China's rapid industrialization has resulted in various forms of pollution, threatening the health and well-being of its citizens and the environment. Plastic pollution, in particular, has become a pressing issue, with China being the world's largest producer and exporter of single-use and virgin plastics. The country's massive consumption and production of plastics have led to significant environmental degradation, contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis.
China's plastic pollution problem is evident in its waterways, agricultural fields, and landscapes. The term "white pollution" has been used to describe the ubiquitous white plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam containers, and light-colored materials that started appearing in the environment in the mid-1990s. Despite China's efforts to ban these ultra-thin plastic bags in 2008 and encourage the use of cloth bags, plastic pollution remains pervasive.
The country's plastic waste generation is staggering, with only a fraction of it being recycled. In 2020, China produced about 60 million tonnes of plastic waste, but only 16 million tonnes were recycled, according to the China National Resources Recycling Association. On average, only about 17% of the plastic used in China is recycled, with the majority taking up to 500 years to decompose. The country's growing population, which could reach up to 1.46 billion by 2028, will further exacerbate the waste problem.
China has recognized the severity of its plastic pollution crisis and has taken steps to address it. In 2017, China banned the import of most plastic waste, shifting the focus on reducing domestic plastic pollution. Additionally, China has been transitioning from a mixed-waste collection system to a source-segregation collection system to improve recycling rates. However, China's regulatory framework has been criticized for focusing on the symptoms of the problem, such as cleanup and recycling, rather than addressing the upstream parts of the plastic lifecycle, including production and the involvement of the extractive resources industry.
The global plastic pollution crisis requires a collective effort, and China's actions have had ripple effects worldwide. The import ban has pushed developed countries to reduce and reuse their plastic waste, but it has also shifted the burden to other low-income countries, potentially exposing them to environmental risks. As the world grapples with the growing plastic waste crisis, it is imperative that countries work together to find sustainable solutions that protect the environment and safeguard the health and well-being of their citizens.
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China's coal-burning power plants are the world's biggest source of mercury air pollution
China's rapid industrialization has resulted in various forms of pollution, threatening the environment and public health. Among the different sources of pollution, China's coal-burning power plants are a significant contributor to air pollution and are the world's biggest source of mercury air pollution.
China is the largest producer and consumer of coal globally, and coal-fired power plants are among its major sources of air pollutants. These plants emit harmful substances like mercury, a neurotoxin that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. China's coal-burning power plants, as well as those financed and operated by Chinese companies in other countries, contribute significantly to mercury air pollution.
Studies have verified that coal-fired power plants are a primary source of air pollution in China. The unprecedented expansion of these plants has been recognized as the primary source of air pollution worldwide. China's coal-fired power plants generate 70.4% to 82.5% of the country's global power, and their emissions have severe health implications. Air pollution in China leads to exposure to fine particles, causing diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. It is estimated that air pollution in China causes about 2 million deaths annually, with ambient air pollution accounting for over 1 million of those deaths.
While the Chinese government has implemented measures to reduce air pollutant emissions, the overall level of air pollution remains a concern. China's coal-burning power plants continue to contribute significantly to mercury pollution, affecting not only China but also downwind countries. The lack of stringent environmental guidelines in some Chinese-backed projects has led to negative consequences for host countries, including water quality issues and land pollution.
To address the issue of mercury air pollution from coal-burning power plants, stricter controls and regulations are necessary. Technological improvements and emission control measures have proven effective in reducing air pollutant concentrations. Additionally, international agreements like the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury aim to protect human health and the environment by addressing mercury sources and emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Particulate pollution is among the five greatest threats to human health in China, reducing the average life expectancy by 2.3 years. If the current pollution levels persist, China stands to lose 3.6 billion total life years.
Industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage are major contributors to air pollution in China.
China has been fighting a "'War against Pollution'" since 2014, which has resulted in a 41% decrease in fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) since 2013. The government has also limited the number of cars on the roads in major cities, banned new coal plants in the most polluted areas, and cut emissions from existing plants.
Environmental degradation in China has caused widespread soil pollution, contaminated water, and solid waste. China is also the world's leading generator of plastic waste and the biggest producer and exporter of plastic products.
Air pollution from China affects downstream countries, and China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has negatively impacted water quality, polluted adjacent land, and spoiled fragile ecosystems in several countries.
