Greta Jimenez
Beijing has long been considered one of the most polluted cities globally, earning the nickname Airpocalypse. The city's pollution is caused by industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing, as well as traffic fumes from crowded roads. In 2013, Beijing's air pollution levels averaged 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended level. However, Beijing has made significant efforts to improve its air quality in recent years, including shutting down illegal coal mines and inefficient steel mills, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting public transport, cycling, and electric vehicles. While particle pollution in Beijing has reduced by over 60% in the last decade, it still exceeds WHO guidelines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index | 61 |
| PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI | 61 |
| PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI | 33 |
| NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI | 7 |
| SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI | 3 |
| O3 (ozone) AQI | 51 |
| CO (carbon monoxide) AQI | 6 |
| Average air pollution level in 2013 | 100 ug/m3 |
| Average air pollution level in 2015 | 101.56 ug/m3 |
| Percentage reduction in particle pollution from 2013 to 2022 | 60% |
| Percentage increase in GDP from 1998 to 2017 | 1078% |
| Percentage increase in population from 1998 to 2017 | 74% |
| Percentage increase in vehicles from 1998 to 2017 | 335% |
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What You'll Learn
Beijing's air pollution often starts outside the city
Beijing has been dubbed the "Airpocalypse" and is one of the most air-polluted cities on Earth. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing in the surrounding province of Hebei, as well as traffic fumes from crowded roads. The number of motor vehicles on Beijing's roads has doubled to 3.3 million, with nearly 1200 added each day, and emissions from these vehicles contribute to nearly 70% of the city's air pollution.
Beijing's topography also plays a role in trapping pollution within the city. The city is surrounded by mountains, which ensure that pollution remains localized. Additionally, seasonal weather patterns impact air quality, with spring and summer experiencing worsened air quality due to higher temperature and humidity, and winds carrying pollutants from industrialized southern regions.
While Beijing's air pollution has seen some improvement over the years, it still remains a significant issue. China's economic growth in the past three decades has been a major factor in the country's extensive air pollution. The government has recognized the severity of the problem, and in 2013, China's State Council announced a plan to address the chronic air pollution crisis, investing in renewable energy sources and empowering environmental offices to enforce regulations. These efforts have shown positive results, with average air pollution levels steadily decreasing since their peak in 2013.
Despite these efforts, Beijing's air pollution continues to impact the health of its residents. Studies suggest that the average 18-year-old Beijinger will spend a significant portion of their remaining years in ill health due to the effects of air pollution, including an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases.
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The war on air pollution
Beijing has long been regarded as one of the most polluted cities on Earth. The city's air quality has been described as an "Airpocalypse", with industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing in the surrounding province of Hebei being the main culprits. These emissions, combined with traffic fumes from crowded roads, have resulted in regular air pollution episodes that severely impact the daily lives of Beijing's over twenty million inhabitants.
The public concern about air pollution reached a peak in 2013, prompting the new administration to make tackling air pollution a top priority. The Chinese government launched the "2013-2017 Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan", a RMB 1.7 trillion plan with 10 policy measures to address the country's chronic air pollution crisis. As part of this plan, the government took aggressive steps to shut down illegal coal mines, thermal power plants, and inefficient steel mills. They also invested heavily in low-carbon and low-pollution solar and wind power farms and empowered environmental offices to enforce air pollution regulations.
In addition to these efforts, Beijing has also focused on reducing vehicle emissions and promoting sustainable mobility. The city has reintroduced bike-sharing schemes and expanded its subway system, encouraging residents to opt for bicycles or public transport for shorter trips. Beijing has also prioritized the expansion of urban rail and the integration of electric vehicles, with the goal of decoupling private vehicle use from wealth. As a result of these comprehensive initiatives, Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in recent years, setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges.
While Beijing's air pollution levels have dropped significantly, there is still work to be done. A 2017 study published in the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America highlighted the severe health impacts of extended exposure to particulate pollution, emphasizing the urgency of continued efforts to combat air pollution. Beijing's experience serves as a reminder that addressing air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach targeting different sources of pollution and coordinated action across various sectors and regions.
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The impact of industrial emissions
Beijing has long been notorious for its poor air quality, earning the moniker "Airpocalypse" and ranking among the most air-polluted cities globally. While various factors contribute to this problem, industrial emissions from heavy industries are significant culprits.
The heavily industrialised province of Hebei, which surrounds Beijing, is home to major sectors like coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing. These industries release large amounts of pollutants, including nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. The manufacturing of iron and steel, cement plants, coal combustion, and petroleum refinement have been identified as the primary sources of particulate matter, leading to the dense wintertime smog in Beijing. The burning of coal releases various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants have severe health consequences for Beijing's residents, with studies linking high pollution levels to shortened lifespans and premature deaths.
Beijing's topography, with surrounding mountains, also traps pollution. The winds that would otherwise clear the skies instead bring smog and harmful emissions from the industrialised southern regions, exacerbating the problem. The geography of Beijing and its location relative to other regions are key factors in its air pollution. To the south and east of Beijing is a large concentration of coal-burning industries. The pollutants from these factories are carried by winds into Beijing and trapped by the mountains to the city's north and west.
The Chinese government has implemented several measures to address Beijing's air pollution crisis. Since the 2008 Olympic Games, there has been a push to relocate heavy industries from Beijing to surrounding areas, particularly Hebei. The government has also introduced stringent laws to curb industrial pollutant emissions, but challenges remain in effectively enforcing these regulations. To tackle the issue of coal-burning factories, the government has relocated factories to other provinces and converted coal furnaces in homes to natural gas. Beijing has also upgraded its emission and fuel standards twice in the past decade and improved vehicle structures by accelerating the elimination of old vehicles. As a result, vehicle emissions of four key air pollutants (CO, VOCs, NOx, and PM2.5) decreased by an average of 68% in 2019 compared to 2009.
In summary, industrial emissions from heavy industries in and around Beijing significantly contribute to the city's poor air quality. The Chinese government and local authorities have implemented various measures to reduce industrial pollutant emissions, with some success in improving air quality. However, challenges remain in enforcing regulations and mitigating complex geographical factors that trap pollution in the city.
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The role of electric vehicles
Beijing has been dubbed the "Airpocalypse" and is considered one of the most air-polluted cities on Earth. The primary cause of this air pollution is industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing in Hebei, the heavily industrialised province surrounding Beijing. Traffic fumes from crowded roads also contribute to the poor air quality.
To combat this issue, the Chinese government implemented the "2013-2017 Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan", which involved shutting down illegal coal mines and inefficient steel mills, installing air pollution control devices, investing in low-carbon and low-pollution solar and wind power farms, and empowering environmental offices to enforce air pollution regulations. These efforts led to a significant decrease in air pollution levels over the following years.
Electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in reducing air pollution in Beijing and other cities. Unlike conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, resulting in lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs). While generating electricity to power EVs can create emissions, these levels are significantly lower than the pollution emitted by conventional vehicles. The environmental benefits of EVs are particularly pronounced in areas with relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity generation.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of EVs can lead to substantial reductions in carbon pollution from the transportation sector. Studies estimate that by 2050, electrification of vehicles could reduce carbon pollution by 430-550 million metric tons annually, equivalent to the emissions from 80-100 million passenger cars. This transition from petroleum-based fuels to electricity is crucial in reducing emissions of GHGs and other air pollutants that harm the environment and human health.
In conclusion, the integration of electric vehicles is an essential strategy in Beijing's battle against air pollution. By reducing tailpipe emissions and lowering overall carbon pollution, EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable transportation option. As Beijing continues to strive for improved air quality, the increased adoption of electric vehicles will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
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Beijing's battle to clean up its air
Beijing has long been considered one of the most polluted cities globally, earning the nickname "Airpocalypse". The city's air pollution crisis is largely attributed to the growth of heavy industries, lax environmental regulations, and an energy-intensive economic growth model reliant on infrastructure and fixed-asset investments. The key culprits are industrial emissions from sectors like coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing, coupled with traffic fumes from crowded roads.
Recognising the severity of the issue, Beijing launched a series of initiatives to combat air pollution and improve air quality. In 2013, China's State Council announced a RMB 1.7 trillion plan with ten policy measures to tackle the nation's chronic air pollution crisis. This included shutting down illegal coal mines, thermal power plants, and inefficient steel mills, as well as investing in low-carbon and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power farms.
To reduce vehicle emissions, Beijing implemented measures such as scrapping old polluting cars, tightening emissions standards for diesel trucks, and introducing bike-sharing schemes to encourage the use of bicycles for shorter trips. The city also focused on expanding its public transport network, with a particular emphasis on urban rail expansion, and embraced electric vehicles, with Shenzhen leading the way by electrifying all of its public buses.
The results of these efforts have been positive, with Beijing witnessing a significant decrease in particle pollution. Between 2013 and 2022, particle pollution in the city reduced by more than 60%, although it still exceeds World Health Organization guidelines. Beijing's battle against air pollution continues, and the city remains committed to implementing comprehensive policies and adopting new technologies to monitor and improve air quality, charting a course towards cleaner skies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Beijing is a polluted city. In 2013, the average air pollution levels were 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's 2005 recommended level.
The key culprits causing the air pollution in Beijing are industrial emissions from heavy industries such as coal power, steel, cement, and glass manufacturing in Hebei, the heavily industrialised province that surrounds Beijing. These emissions, coupled with traffic fumes from crowded roads, caused air pollution episodes that became a regular feature in the daily life of Beijing's over twenty million inhabitants.
Beijing has implemented a series of comprehensive air pollution control programs to combat the pollution crisis. For example, the government shut down illegal coal mines, installed air pollution control devices at industrial emission sources, and invested in low-carbon and low-pollution solar and wind power farms. Beijing has also embraced electric vehicles, with 99% of the world's 385,000 electric buses.
As of July 7, 2025, Beijing's overall air quality index was 61. The PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI was 61, the PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI was 33, the NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI was 7, the SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI was 3, the O3 (ozone) AQI was 51, and the CO (carbon monoxide) AQI was 6.
The high levels of air pollution in Beijing have had a significant impact on the health and daily lives of its residents. On days with severe pollution, masks became a common sight on the streets, and people were advised to stay indoors or use air filtration machines. A 2017 study published in the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that extended exposure to particulate pollution significantly reduces lifespans and increases the likelihood of heart and respiratory diseases.
