Beijing's Air Pollution: Strategies For Breathing Easier

Beijing has been tackling air pollution since 1998, when it declared war on the problem. The city has implemented a range of measures to improve its air quality, including initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions, limit coal combustion, and promote sustainable mobility. Despite these efforts, Beijing still struggles with air pollution, particularly during the winter heating season when coal consumption is high. The COVID-19 lockdowns revealed the complexity of the challenge, as particle pollution remained high despite significant decreases in traffic, coal consumption, and economic activity. Beijing's air pollution is influenced by sources outside the city, underscoring the need for coordinated regional solutions. The city's progress in reducing air pollution has been notable, and its strategies serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar issues.

Reducing industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement and glass manufacturing

Beijing has been working to reduce air pollution, and its efforts have targeted different sources, including industrial emissions from heavy industries. Heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing are major contributors to air pollution in Beijing. These industries are responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions, with cement, steel, and the chemical industries being the biggest industrial emitters.

To reduce industrial emissions from these heavy industries, Beijing has implemented a series of measures as part of its comprehensive air pollution control programs. One measure is to limit the use of coal-fired boilers and provide cleaner fuels as alternatives. Beijing has also been working to restructure its industries to reduce emissions, with a focus on heavy industries surrounding the city in Hebei.

Additionally, Beijing has been promoting the use of electric vehicles, with the goal of electrifying all public buses and eventually expanding to taxis, trucks, and other vehicles. This push for electrification extends to industrial processes as well, with the understanding that electrification can deliver important near-term industrial GHG emissions reductions. However, deeper levels of decarbonization will require more advanced technologies and further innovation.

To further reduce emissions from heavy industries, alternative additives can be used in building materials, such as alkali-activated slag mortars or fly ash in concrete. Recycling building wastes, such as concrete aggregate and recycled asphalt, can also help reduce the environmental impact of construction. Improving energy efficiency in manufacturing processes, such as cement production, can lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions.

Overall, reducing industrial emissions from heavy industries requires a combination of policy measures, technological innovations, and process improvements. By implementing these strategies, Beijing can continue to make strides in improving its air quality and creating a more sustainable future for its residents.

Improving public transport and encouraging active travel

Beijing has been taking steps to improve its public transport and encourage active travel, with the aim of reducing air pollution in the city. The city has recognised the importance of sustainable mobility and has been working towards reducing car-based greenhouse emissions.

One of the key initiatives has been the reintroduction of bike-sharing schemes, which encourage people to use bicycles for short trips. This is a significant shift, as China was once known as the "Kingdom of the Bicycle", but saw a decline in bicycle use with the rise in individual wealth and a shift towards cars. The city has also been investing in its subway system, with approximately 700 kilometres of network, providing a convenient and widely used mode of transportation.

In addition to promoting active travel, Beijing has been embracing electric vehicles (EVs) and new energy vehicles (NEVs). The city has implemented incentives for citizens to switch to cleaner modes of transport, such as making it easier to obtain license plates for electric cars. Shenzhen, another Chinese city, has completely electrified its public bus fleet, and Beijing is following a similar path. By encouraging the use of electric buses, taxis, trucks, and other vehicles, Beijing is aiming to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, Beijing has introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZs), which restrict access for polluting vehicles and drive the adoption of cleaner, emission-compliant modes of transportation. Older vehicles are required to be scrapped or retrofitted with emission reduction technology. The city has also focused on reducing the number of cars on the road by investing in transit and reviving traditional Chinese urban design, such as walking centres and transit linear corridors.

By improving public transport and encouraging active travel, Beijing is not only improving air quality but also shaping China's trajectory towards sustainability and providing a model for other cities to follow.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Beijing has been working to reduce air pollution since 1998, when it declared war on air pollution. Since then, the city has implemented a range of measures to reduce vehicle emissions.

One key strategy has been the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs), which restrict access for polluting vehicles and encourage the adoption of cleaner, emission-compliant modes of transportation. These zones have catalyzed fleet transformation, with newer vehicles adhering to stringent emissions standards. Older vehicles are being retrofitted with emission reduction technology, and emissions standards for diesel trucks have been tightened.

Beijing has also been promoting sustainable mobility options, such as expanding its urban rail network and reintroducing bike-sharing schemes. The city's subway system now boasts approximately 700 kilometres of the network, making it a convenient option for many residents.

In addition, Beijing has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in China. Shenzhen, another Chinese city, has already electrified all of its public buses, and Beijing is following suit. China now owns 99% of the world's electric buses, and this number is expected to grow to 600,000 by 2025.

Furthermore, Beijing has implemented a comprehensive air quality monitoring network, utilizing advanced technologies such as high-resolution satellite remote sensing and laser radar. This network has been crucial in precisely identifying areas and times with high emissions, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce vehicle emissions.

Reducing coal consumption

Beijing's air pollution crisis was heavily linked to its energy-intensive economic growth model, which was reliant on coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing. In 1998, Beijing declared war on air pollution, targeting coal-combustion and motor vehicles as the main sources of pollution.

To reduce coal consumption, Beijing implemented a series of measures, including:

• Limiting the use of coal-fired boilers: Beijing focused on controlling the use of coal-fired boilers and providing cleaner fuels for domestic burning.
• Restructuring industry: The city worked on restructuring heavy industries, such as steel, cement, and glass manufacturing, to reduce emissions and optimize energy infrastructure.
• Clean coal initiatives: There was an initiative to restrict or ban the burning of non-clean coal, which refers to coal that has been cleaned before burning to reduce pollution.
• Moving coal-burning factories: Beijing moved some coal-burning factories to neighbouring provinces, though this has been a controversial move.
• Converting to fossil gas: Beijing fitted clean-up technologies to coal-burning power stations and industrial plants, followed by their conversion to fossil gas.

These measures, along with broader initiatives to enhance sustainable mobility and public transportation, have contributed to significant improvements in Beijing's air quality over the years.

Improving air quality monitoring

Beijing has made significant strides in improving its air quality in recent years, and its air quality management system is supported by monitoring and evaluation. In 2016, Beijing implemented a cutting-edge integrated air quality monitoring network that utilised advanced technologies such as high-resolution satellite remote sensing and laser radar. Over 1000 PM2.5 sensors were distributed across the city, playing a crucial role in precisely identifying areas and times with high emissions.

Beijing's air quality monitoring network is part of a comprehensive set of measures to tackle air pollution, which includes laws, enforcement mechanisms, systematic planning, strict local standards, and high levels of public engagement. The city has also prioritised reducing emissions from vehicles, with initiatives like Low Emission Zones (LEZs) that restrict access for polluting vehicles and drive the adoption of cleaner, emission-compliant modes of transportation.

To further improve air quality monitoring, Beijing has focused on controlling the flow of truck traffic by ordering lorries to use beltways to bypass heavily populated areas. The city has also introduced bike-sharing schemes and expanded its subway system to reduce car usage. Additionally, Beijing has worked to limit the use of coal-fired boilers and provide people with cleaner fuels to burn at home, as well as restructuring industries to reduce emissions.

Beijing's efforts to improve air quality monitoring and reduce air pollution have been a dynamic and multi-faceted process, targeting different sources of pollution. The city's determination to improve its air quality has resulted in noticeable improvements, and its strategies can serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

Frequently asked questions