Air Pollution In Beijing: Is It Still Hazardous?

Beijing, China's capital, has long been notorious for its poor air quality, with the city's 21 million residents suffering the health consequences of extensive air pollution. The causes of Beijing's air pollution crisis are multi-faceted, but can be primarily attributed to the country's rapid economic growth, population increase, and surging number of vehicles. However, in recent years, Beijing has made significant strides towards improving its air quality, implementing a range of comprehensive control programs and setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges.

Beijing's air pollution is caused by coal-burning factories and inefficient technologies

Beijing has been battling air pollution for over 20 years. The city's air quality has been described as "dangerously worse than the Chinese government was willing to admit". In 2008, US diplomats installed air quality monitors on the US Embassy in Beijing, revealing the severity of the issue.

Beijing's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including coal-burning factories and power plants, vehicle emissions, and inefficient technologies. The city's rapid economic growth and urbanisation have also contributed to the problem, with more people choosing to drive cars instead of bicycles, leading to an increase in vehicle emissions.

In the early 2000s, Beijing began to implement measures to curb pollution, and by the time the city hosted the 2008 Olympic Games, it had achieved relatively clean air. However, the problem persisted, and in 2013, the city announced a five-year action plan to address air pollution. As part of this plan, old polluting cars were scrapped, emissions standards for diesel trucks were tightened, and measures were taken to control the flow of truck traffic through the city. Beijing also reintroduced bike-sharing schemes and improved its subway system to reduce vehicle emissions.

Despite these efforts, Beijing still experiences high levels of particle pollution, with figures showing that pollution levels are six times greater than the World Health Organization guidelines. A study by Dr Kaspar Rudolf Dällenbach and an international team in 2018 found that even during the COVID lockdowns, when economic activity and traffic were substantially reduced, particle pollution remained high. This suggests that Beijing's air pollution is influenced by sources outside the city, with pollutants being transported over hundreds of kilometres.

Coal-burning power plants and factories have been identified as significant contributors to Beijing's air pollution. China leads the world in mercury air pollution from its coal-burning plants, and the use of coal for cooking and heating in households has been linked to respiratory health issues. Studies have shown that the use of coal stoves for heating is associated with reduced lung function compared to radiator-based heating.

To address the issue of coal-burning, Beijing has implemented clean-up technologies and converted some power plants and industrial plants from coal to fossil gas. However, the problem of air pollution persists, and Beijing continues to grapple with finding a long-term solution.

The city's topography and seasonal weather worsen air quality

Beijing's air pollution has been well-documented over the years, with the city's smog becoming so impenetrable by the 1990s that tall buildings just a few streets away became invisible. The city's air pollution is worsened by a combination of its topography and seasonal weather patterns.

Beijing is located in the northern part of the North China Plain, with mountains to its north, northwest, and west, and the Bohai Sea to its southeast. The city's topography is characterised by a higher northwest part and a lower southeast part, with mountain areas occupying about 62% of the municipality's total area. This setup creates a semi-circle curve opening to the southeast, known as "Beijing Bay."

The city's topography plays a role in trapping air pollutants, particularly during certain seasonal weather patterns. Beijing's seasonal weather is influenced by its temperate and continental monsoon climate, which results in distinct seasons. The spring is windy and dry, with frequent sandstorms and increased pollen in the air, leading to higher air pollution levels. The summer is hot and humid, with heavy rainstorms and a significant amount of annual precipitation. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.

Additionally, Beijing's rapid economic growth and urbanisation have led to a significant increase in individual wealth, resulting in more people switching from bicycles to cars. This shift has contributed to a deterioration in air quality, as vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution. The city has implemented measures to curb vehicle emissions and promote electric mobility, but the impact of seasonal weather patterns and topography on air quality remains a challenge.

Overall, the interplay between Beijing's topography and seasonal weather patterns creates conditions that worsen air quality and contribute to the city's ongoing battle with air pollution.

Economic growth, population increase and a surge in vehicles have impacted Beijing's air

Beijing's air pollution is a result of a mix of politics, technology, and economics. The city's air quality has been impacted by economic growth, a growing population, and a surge in vehicles.

In the 1990s, Beijing experienced significant economic growth, with a booming industry and an increase in coal combustion. The number of cars on the road also soared to a million, resulting in impenetrable smog. This period of growth highlighted the issue of air pollution in Beijing, with residents and newspapers commenting on the poor air quality.

The combination of economic growth and a surge in vehicles contributed to the deterioration of air quality. As China's economy grew, more people could afford cars, leading to a shift from bicycles to cars as the primary mode of transportation. This increase in vehicles, particularly those with internal combustion engines, emitted various pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter.

The growing population also played a role in Beijing's air quality issues. With more people moving to the city, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and services increased. This led to further urbanisation and industrial growth, which contributed to air pollution.

However, Beijing has made significant strides in improving its air quality. In 1998, the city declared war on air pollution, and since then, various measures have been implemented to reduce pollution levels. Beijing's Clean Air Action Plan 2013-2017 resulted in even more significant improvements, with a focus on energy infrastructure optimization, coal-fired pollution control, and vehicle emission controls. By 2013, levels of air pollutants had decreased, with some meeting national standards. Beijing has also promoted electric mobility and improved its public transportation system, including the subway and bike-sharing schemes.

While Beijing's air quality has improved, it still faces challenges. Heavy pollution episodes continue to occur during autumn and winter, and the PM2.5 concentration exceeds the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beijing's progress in improving its air quality serves as a roadmap for other cities facing similar issues, demonstrating that balancing environmental protection and economic growth is achievable.

Beijing has made efforts to curb vehicle emissions and improve air quality

Beijing has implemented a range of measures to address vehicle emissions and improve air quality for its 21 million citizens.

One key strategy has been the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs), which restrict access for polluting vehicles and incentivize the use of cleaner, emission-compliant modes of transportation. Older vehicles are required to be retrofitted with emission reduction technology, while newer vehicles must adhere to stringent emissions standards. Beijing has also implemented driving bans and license plate lotteries, further underscoring its commitment to phasing out polluting cars.

The city has actively coordinated air pollution control measures with surrounding areas, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This collaborative approach, which includes unified standards, joint emergency responses, and information sharing, has significantly improved air quality in the broader region. Beijing has also focused on reducing coal consumption by shutting down industrial sites and improving heating systems, with plans to further reduce coal use in the coming years.

To promote the use of electric vehicles, Beijing plans to have fast-charging stations at no less than 80% of highway service areas by 2025. The city also aims to increase the number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) on its roads, with a target of 400,000 by the end of 2020. Beijing is also working to strengthen its supervision of in-use vehicles by carrying out checks on at least 1.5 million heavy-duty diesel vehicles and setting stricter standards for gasoline and diesel fuel.

In addition to vehicle emissions, Beijing has targeted emissions from the petrochemical industry, with a goal to cut emissions by more than 30% in 2020 compared to 2017 levels. The city has also embarked on a journey to reshape its transportation fabric, investing in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and walking centers, while curbing parking provisions and reducing freeway growth.

Air pollution has led to health issues and reduced lifespans for Beijing's citizens

Beijing's air pollution has been linked to adverse health effects and reduced life expectancy among its residents. The city's rapid economic growth, population increase, and surge in motor vehicles have contributed to a significant decline in air quality. With the number of vehicles on the roads soaring, emissions from transportation have become a primary source of pollution, accounting for nearly 70% of the city's air pollution. The four most dangerous pollutants emitted by these vehicles include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

The consequences of breathing polluted air are dire, as evidenced by a 2017 study published in the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. This study found that prolonged exposure to particulate pollution significantly reduces lifespans and increases the risk of heart and respiratory diseases. Beijing's citizens have experienced these health issues firsthand, with the average lifespan being five to six years shorter than those living in southern China.

The problem of air pollution in Beijing is not new. In the 1990s, the city's population, industry, and coal usage experienced significant growth, resulting in a noticeable decline in air quality. By the early 2000s, pollution gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter were trending downwards, but the issue remained prevalent. The public's growing awareness of the problem, coupled with the city's preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games, prompted the implementation of temporary measures that resulted in cleaner air during the competitions.

However, the improvements were short-lived, and Beijing continued to struggle with severe air pollution. The city's topography, surrounded by mountains, traps pollution within its limits. This natural factor, combined with the emissions from vehicles and coal-burning factories, has led to the frequent occurrence of thick smog, low visibility, and even road closures. Beijing's air pollution has had tangible impacts on the daily lives of its residents, with some opting to leave the city to escape the oppressive lifestyle restrictions that come with living in a heavily polluted environment.

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