Battling Air Pollution: Simple Chinese Home Remedies

Air pollution in China has been a pressing issue for many years, with the country being home to many of the world's most polluted cities. The problem is largely a result of industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, causing severe health issues and economic losses. In response, China has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including the Air Pollution Action Plan, which has significantly improved air quality and reduced pollution-related deaths. However, there has been an unintended consequence: the removal of sulphate aerosols, which cooled the planet, has led to an acceleration in global warming. China continues to prioritize environmental protection and aims to introduce new emission standards, with a focus on clean energy and reducing coal consumption.

Reduce coal consumption

China's coal consumption is closely linked to the country's industrialization. Between 2002 and 2013, coal accounted for 77% of the increase in primary energy demand, driven mainly by coal consumption in the cement, chemical, and steel sectors. Coal is also widely used in China for generating electricity, producing heat, and as an industrial feedstock. In 2020, 60% of coal was used for electricity and heat generation, with industry accounting for an additional one-third of demand.

China is home to one-sixth of the world's population, yet it accounts for almost half of the global coal consumption. As such, reducing coal consumption is a crucial step in combating air pollution in China. Here are some ways that China can reduce its coal consumption:

Transition to Renewable Energy Sources

China has been investing heavily in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. In 2020, it was estimated that the share of coal-generated electricity in China would decline from 72.5% in 2014 to 60%. China now has the world's largest installed base of wind power, and its solar power capacity is second only to Germany. Researchers at Harvard University and Tsinghua University predict that wind power could produce all of China's electricity at the price of coal by 2030.

Improve Energy Efficiency

China should focus on improving the energy efficiency of its existing systems. As renewable energy becomes more cost-competitive with fossil fuels and energy consumption becomes more efficient, China will be better able to reduce emissions without compromising economic growth.

Phase Out Coal-Fired Power Plants

China has already taken steps to prohibit new coal-fired power plants and shut down old plants in the most polluted regions, including the city clusters of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas. This has helped to significantly improve air quality in these areas.

Address Domestic Coal Use

Domestic coal combustion has had severe adverse health effects on millions of people in China. Many people burn raw coal in unvented or poorly vented stoves, exposing themselves to high levels of toxic metals and organic compounds. China should focus on educating the public about the dangers of domestic coal use and promoting alternative heating and cooking methods, such as electric or gas stoves.

International Cooperation

China has made international pledges to phase down coal consumption, such as at COP26 and in the Glasgow Climate Pact. By working with the international community and sharing best practices, China can accelerate its transition away from coal.

Prohibit new coal-fired power plants

China's air pollution has been a pressing issue, causing approximately 2 million deaths in the country per year. The country has taken several measures to combat this problem, including the prohibition of new coal-fired power plants and the shutdown of old plants in highly polluted regions. This move is part of China's commitment to improving air quality and addressing the public health crisis caused by air pollution.

Coal-fired power plants are significant contributors to air pollution, releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. By prohibiting the construction of new coal-fired power plants, China aims to reduce the output of these polluting facilities and decrease the levels of harmful particles in the air. This step is crucial in the effort to improve the air quality and protect the health of its citizens.

The prohibition of new coal-fired power plants is a strategic decision by the Chinese government to demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. This action aligns with the country's long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. By putting a halt to the construction of new coal-fired power plants, China sends a strong signal about its willingness to address the challenges posed by air pollution and climate change.

However, it is important to acknowledge that this prohibition may have complex implications. Coal-intensive regions, such as Shaanxi in northern China, rely heavily on the coal industry for employment. Up to 8% of the local workforce in these regions is engaged in coal mining. As a result, transitioning away from coal and prohibiting new coal-fired power plants can have economic repercussions and impact the livelihoods of those employed in the coal industry.

To mitigate these challenges, China has been exploring renewable energy alternatives and integrating them into new coal projects. For example, the Yushen Yuheng power plant in Shaanxi province includes wind and solar power components, showcasing China's efforts to balance environmental concerns with economic realities. As China continues to navigate the complexities of energy transition, the prohibition of new coal-fired power plants remains a critical component of its strategy to combat air pollution and foster sustainable development.

Improve energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a crucial step in China's battle against air pollution. Energy consumption, particularly from coal-fired power plants and household solid fuel usage, is a significant contributor to the country's poor air quality.

China has implemented several measures to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Firstly, the country has invested in renewable and clean energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce its reliance on coal. This shift away from coal has involved prohibiting new coal-fired power plants and shutting down older ones in highly polluted regions, including the city clusters of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas.

Secondly, China has established financing programs to support energy efficiency initiatives. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, supported by the World Bank, has provided funding for investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This program has successfully leveraged funding 5.4 times the original loan amount, demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting cleaner energy practices.

Additionally, China has introduced national air pollution action plans, such as the Air Pollution Action Plan released in 2013, which set targets for reducing PM2.5 levels in key cities. The plan helped achieve significant improvements in air quality, reducing PM2.5 levels by 33% in Beijing and 15% in the Pearl River Delta between 2013 and 2017. The second phase of this plan, introduced in 2018, expanded its scope to all cities in China, mandating an 18% reduction in PM2.5 levels.

Furthermore, China has focused on improving energy efficiency in the transportation sector. The country aims to boost the share of new energy vehicles and machinery in airports, ports, and logistics parks. Additionally, China plans to promote the long-distance transportation of bulk goods by rail and water instead of roads, reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Invest in clean energy

China has been making efforts to improve its air quality, and one of the most effective ways to combat air pollution is to invest in clean energy. China has been transitioning to clean energy sources and technologies, and this shift has had a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.

China has invested heavily in renewable energy projects, including solar power, wind farms, and geothermal energy. This has led to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, with a decrease of 2.5 million tons per year. The country has also focused on improving energy efficiency, tightening air pollution controls, and developing electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries.

The transition to clean energy has had economic benefits as well. In 2023, the clean energy sector contributed an estimated 11.4 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion) to China's economy, accounting for 9% of its GDP. This surge in investment in clean energy has driven China's economic growth, with the sector contributing to all of the country's investment growth in 2023.

Despite these efforts, China still faces challenges in reducing its emissions due to its continued reliance on coal. Coal-fired power plants are major contributors to air pollution, and China's coal power construction saw a ten-year high in 2024. However, it is important to note that the country has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, and the clean energy investments are expected to further drive down emissions in the coming years.

China's investments in clean energy have not only improved air quality but also contributed to economic growth and technological advancements. The country's efforts to combat air pollution through clean energy financing and technological innovations provide a model for other nations to follow in their transition to renewable energy sources.

Reduce air pollutants at their source

To reduce air pollutants at their source, China has implemented a range of measures, including:

Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Initiatives:

• The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, supported by the World Bank, has played a crucial role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This program has financed investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and emissions control. It has also promoted green financing in financial institutions like Huaxia Bank, contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
• The Chinese government has prioritised addressing air pollutants at their source by reducing coal consumption and increasing the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources.
• China has invested in clean energy infrastructure, such as solar power stations, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Industrial and Power Plant Regulations:

• China prohibited the construction of new coal-fired power plants and shut down several old plants in highly polluted regions, including the city clusters of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas.
• Scrubbers were fitted to coal power plants to curb the dirtiest emissions, leading to a significant drop in sulphate emissions.

Transportation Sector:

• China has focused on tightening rules governing vehicle exhausts, resulting in reduced emissions from cars, trucks, and buses.
• The country is also promoting the long-distance transportation of bulk goods by rail and water instead of roads to decrease road traffic pollution.
• There is a push to increase the share of new energy vehicles and machinery in airports, ports, and logistics parks.

Household Fuel Usage:

China has recognised the impact of household air pollution caused by cooking with polluting fuels and technologies. Educational campaigns and initiatives to provide access to cleaner cooking technologies can help reduce pollutants at their source in homes.

These measures demonstrate China's commitment to reducing air pollutants at their source, improving air quality, and mitigating the health and environmental impacts of air pollution.

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