Greta Jimenez
China's environmental crisis, caused by decades of rapid industrialization, poses a threat to the health and livelihoods of its 1.4 billion people and the global fight against climate change. China's air pollution, caused by carbon-intensive industries, has resulted in water scarcity and soil contamination, and contributed to approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in 2019. In response, the Chinese government has implemented policies to curb emissions, such as signing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate and pledging carbon neutrality by 2060. China has also taken steps to reduce plastic waste, such as banning free plastic bags in supermarkets and shops, and encouraging the use of cloth bags. While China has made progress in improving its air quality, it still faces significant challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental and social welfare.
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What You'll Learn
Reduce coal consumption
China is the world's largest consumer and producer of coal. In 2021, its coal consumption and production accounted for more than half of the world's total. China's coal consumption reached its highest level ever in 2021, exceeding the previous peak set in 2013-2014.
China's government has ambitious plans to reduce coal consumption in the coming decades. The pace at which it does so will significantly impact the world's ability to meet its climate goals. China's coal-fired power stations were responsible for more than 15% of global CO2 in 2020, and coal production also produces methane emissions.
To reduce coal consumption, China can improve energy efficiency in the industrial and building sectors and increase the supply of renewable energy. For example, China can invest in renewable energy sources such as solar PV, as well as clean energy vehicles. China can also replace coal with natural gas, as it did across much of northern China during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). During this period, China also capped coal use, removed dispersed coal from urban areas, closed inefficient coal-fired boilers, tightened CO2 emissions standards, and strengthened efficiency standards in power plants.
China's top coal-consuming sectors are power, steel, cement, and coal-chemicals. By focusing on these sectors, China can peak coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 2025, according to joint research by NRDC and Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP).
China has also implemented policies to reduce plastic waste, such as banning supermarkets, department stores, and shops from giving out free plastic bags. This ban has reduced the number of plastic bags in the garbage by 10%.
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Improve energy efficiency
China's economy is energy-intensive, with high energy use per unit of GDP. However, the country has made significant improvements in energy efficiency over the past few decades. Between 1990 and 2020, China reduced its energy use per unit of GDP by approximately 75%. This improvement is due to structural changes in the economy, such as the growth of the service and light industry sectors, as well as regulation-induced energy efficiency improvements.
To further improve energy efficiency, China can focus on the following areas:
Industrial sector
The industrial sector has the greatest potential for energy savings. China can encourage the development of less energy-intensive manufacturing sectors and improve the efficiency of motor-driven systems. This includes upgrading motor standards from IE2 to IE3. Additionally, China can expand its Top 10,000 Programme to include less energy-intensive industries, as the programme currently only applies to energy-intensive sectors.
Transport sector
The transport sector accounts for over 30% of China's energy savings potential. China can strengthen its existing policies and increase stock turnover to improve the efficiency of its vehicle fleet. As one of the few countries with fuel efficiency standards for both cars and trucks, China is already making strides in this area.
Buildings
China has implemented building codes and comprehensive appliance standards to limit the increase in energy use resulting from high construction rates and appliance ownership. The deployment of smart meters to manage energy demand is also a growing trend. The government continues to introduce measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, with more than 60% of China's energy use covered by mandatory energy efficiency policies in 2018.
Energy sector
China has made efforts to reduce coal consumption by improving energy efficiency in the energy sector and increasing the supply of renewable energy. The country has received support from international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to finance renewable energy projects and improve energy efficiency.
By focusing on these key sectors and continuing to implement energy efficiency measures, China can further reduce its energy consumption and emissions, contributing to improved air quality and environmental health.
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Reduce plastic bag use
China has been one of the world's biggest users of plastic, but it has also been seriously cracking down on single-use plastics in recent years. In 2008, China banned retailers from giving out free plastic bags and banned the production and sale of ultra-thin plastic bags, i.e., those less than 0.025mm or 25 micrometers thick. This ban has been effective, with a survey by the International Food Packaging Association finding that in the year after the ban was implemented, 10% fewer plastic bags were thrown in the garbage.
In 2020, China announced that it would phase out most single-use plastic items by 2025. This includes a ban on plastic bags, with the restaurant industry required to reduce single-use plastic item usage by 30% and hotels prohibited from offering free single-use plastic items by 2025.
To further reduce plastic bag use in China, the government can consider implementing the following measures:
- Plastic bag taxes: This has been done in other countries and can be an effective way to reduce plastic bag consumption. The revenue generated from the tax can be used to fund environmental initiatives or education programs to promote reusable bag use.
- Improve access to and affordability of reusable bags: Make reusable bags more accessible and affordable for consumers by subsidizing the cost of reusable bags or providing them for free, especially in low-income areas.
- Education and awareness campaigns: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impacts of plastic bag use on the environment and promote the use of reusable bags. Target all age groups, especially the elderly and young consumers who are more susceptible to the impact of pricing policies, as found by Wang and Li (2021).
- Collaborate with retailers: Work with retailers to encourage consumers to bring their own bags. Provide incentives or rewards for customers who bring their own bags, and ensure that the option to decline a plastic bag is always offered at the point of sale.
- Support innovation: Invest in research and development of biodegradable or compostable plastic alternatives that are affordable and accessible. Provide incentives or grants for businesses working on innovative solutions to reduce plastic bag use.
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Reduce industrial pollution
China's industrial expansion has contributed to record levels of air and water pollution. Industrial activities and illegal discharges have caused thallium (Tl) pollution, which has had serious environmental consequences. China's waterways have been seriously contaminated by industrial discharges, and over 90% of the country's groundwater is polluted by toxic waste dumping, rendering it unfit for human use.
To reduce industrial pollution, China should focus on implementing the following measures:
- Improve energy efficiency and deploy emission control technologies: China could significantly reduce production-based emissions by enhancing energy efficiency and adopting effective emission control technologies. This includes improving combustion efficiency and implementing stronger emission control measures to reduce air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Reduce coal consumption: China is the world's largest consumer of coal, which contributes to air pollution. By closing polluting mills, factories, and smelters, and transitioning to eco-friendly energy sources, China can reduce coal consumption and associated pollution.
- Encourage industrial land marketization: Market-oriented reforms of industrial land prices can help reduce urban industrial pollution. As industrial land prices rise, the demand for industrial land decreases, leading to a transformation towards more productive and less polluting industries.
- Implement pollution reduction policies: Policies targeting specific pollutants can help mitigate emissions. For example, improving energy intensity, phasing out small firms, electrifying with non-fossil fuel sources, and adjusting the scale structure of industries can significantly reduce SO2, NOx, particulate matter, and CO2 emissions.
- Address water pollution: China should continue its efforts to improve water quality by upgrading sewage facilities, increasing wastewater treatment rates, and reducing agricultural pollutants such as chemical fertilisers and insecticides.
By implementing these strategies, China can effectively reduce industrial pollution and improve the environmental and public health outcomes associated with it.
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Improve water quality
China's water quality has been a significant concern, with contaminated water being used for irrigation and industrial discharges further polluting waterways. According to a 1997 World Bank report, China's waterways were largely unfit for direct human use. While China has made some improvements, there is still a long way to go to ensure clean and safe water for its citizens and the environment. Here are some measures that can be taken to improve water quality in China:
Implement Water Treatment Solutions
China should invest in wastewater treatment plants and technologies to treat contaminated water before it is released back into the environment. This includes constructing more centralised sewage treatment facilities, particularly in industrial areas, to prevent illegal pollution. Additionally, China should explore innovative solutions, such as restoring small water bodies (SWBs) like marshes and wetlands, which act as efficient nutrient filters and can significantly contribute to water quality improvement.
Strengthen Environmental Regulations
China should continue to enforce and strengthen environmental regulations to reduce industrial pollution. This includes stricter controls on discharges into waterways and encouraging the use of cleaner technologies and processes in industries. The government should also support the development and implementation of best management practices for water-intensive industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing.
Promote Conservation and Restoration
Efforts should be made to protect and restore vital water ecosystems, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This includes reforestation and conservation initiatives to improve river basins and key lakes and reservoirs. China has already made progress in this area, with the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers achieving significant improvements in water quality. These restoration efforts can help filter pollutants and improve overall water quality.
Improve Agricultural Practices
Agricultural practices, such as excessive fertiliser use and manure management, contribute to water pollution. China should promote sustainable agricultural practices that reduce nitrogen (N) inputs and prevent runoff into water bodies. Additionally, providing education and support to farmers on implementing these practices can help ensure a more sustainable food production system.
Encourage Public Awareness and Action
Raising public awareness about water pollution and conservation can empower individuals to take action. This includes encouraging responsible waste disposal, promoting water conservation practices, and supporting environmental initiatives. Public participation in water quality monitoring and river cleanup campaigns can also foster a sense of collective responsibility and contribute to improved water quality.
By implementing these measures and continuing to prioritise water quality improvement, China can make significant strides in ensuring safe and clean water for its people and ecosystems. It is essential to address water pollution to protect public health, sustain economic development, and preserve China's valuable water resources for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution in China is a serious issue, causing hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year. To avoid air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors and use air purifiers when possible. It is also important to check air quality reports and try to limit outdoor activities when the air quality is poor.
Water pollution is another major issue in China, causing approximately 60,000 premature deaths each year. To reduce water pollution, it is important to dispose of waste properly and avoid dumping toxic chemicals into waterways. It is also crucial to conserve water and practice proper hygiene to reduce the amount of wastewater generated.
Soil pollution is a significant problem in China, threatening food safety and sustainable agriculture. To minimize the impact of soil pollution, it is recommended to use organic farming practices, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and implement soil conservation techniques such as crop rotation and cover cropping.
