Greta Jimenez
China and India have long struggled with air pollution, threatening the health of over one-third of the global population. However, in recent years, China has made significant strides in improving air quality, while India continues to battle toxic air pollution, particularly in cities like Delhi. As of 2024, India's pollution levels are much worse than China's, with 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in India. This paragraph will explore the contrasting situations in China and India regarding air pollution and the factors contributing to their divergent paths.
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What You'll Learn
China's pollution-reducing policies
China and India have both struggled with severe air pollution, threatening the health of over one-third of the global population. However, China has made significant strides in reducing pollution and improving air quality, while India continues to battle worsening pollution levels. China's pollution-reducing policies have played a crucial role in this transformation. Here are some key aspects of China's pollution-reducing strategies:
Centralized Policy Implementation
China's approach to air pollution governance is characterized by centralized target-setting and implementation. Policies are enforced through top-down administrative lines, with strong political will and clearly defined accountability systems. This centralized approach enables efficient decision-making and rapid deployment of pollution control measures.
Restrictions on Vehicles and Industry
Recognizing the contribution of vehicles and heavy industry to air pollution, China implemented measures to restrict the number of cars on the roads in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Additionally, China addressed emissions from heavy industry, particularly the iron and steel sectors. Capacity in these emissions-intensive industries was reduced, and new coal-fired power plants were banned in certain areas.
Clean Energy Transition
China has made a significant pivot towards clean energy, driven by both environmental and economic motivations. The country has invested heavily in research and development, becoming a global leader in clean energy technologies. China now dominates the manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), and other clean energy industries. This transition has contributed to reducing pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Coal Consumption Cap
To address ambient air pollution, China set a cap on annual coal consumption, aiming for 3000 million tons of coal equivalent (Mtce) by 2020. This strategy was subcontracted to provincial and municipal governments, with specific targets for different regions. While the "coal-to-gas" initiative in power plants faced challenges due to the scarcity and cost of natural gas, other treatments, such as reallocating high-quality coal and adopting ultra-low-emission technology, have been explored.
Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control
China has implemented innovative financing programs to support its pollution reduction efforts. The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, with support from the World Bank and other institutions, has provided financing for enterprises to reduce air pollutants and carbon emissions. This program has contributed to the development of clean energy and the improvement of energy efficiency.
Through a combination of policy initiatives, technological advancements, and financial incentives, China has made notable progress in reducing pollution and improving air quality. These measures have had a positive impact on the environment and the health of its citizens, showcasing the effectiveness of comprehensive pollution-reducing strategies.
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India's reactive approach
India's air pollution crisis is a significant issue that affects the health and well-being of its citizens and the economy. While India has made some efforts to address this problem, its approach has been described as largely reactive, in contrast to China's more proactive and preventive measures.
The reactive nature of India's air pollution policies is also evident in the pace of improvement. While some measures, like outdoor "smog towers," have been implemented, experts say that squeezing further improvements will require more sweeping changes. For instance, Avikal Somvanshi, a senior manager at the Centre for Science and Environment, suggested that reducing pollution would require taking a large number of drivers off Delhi's streets and changing Indian farmers' farming patterns to prevent stubble burning. These more drastic changes are often challenging to implement and may require strong political will and significant resources.
While India's reactive approach has been criticized, it is important to recognize that addressing air pollution is complex and challenging. India's democratic system, with its division of power and array of political parties, presents unique obstacles to coordinated action. Additionally, India's economic growth has contributed to increased pollution, and the country may not have the same financial resources as China to devote to this issue.
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Beijing's successful pollution battle
China and India have both struggled with air pollution, which threatens the health of over one-third of the global population. However, China has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with Beijing leading the way.
Beijing's battle against air pollution has been a 20-year journey, significantly impacting the lives of its 21 million residents. The city has successfully reduced its pollution levels by one-third, with the most significant drop occurring between 2013 and 2017. Beijing's success is even more remarkable considering its energy consumption grew by 74% between 1998 and 2017, and its residential heating was heavily coal-dependent.
The Beijing Municipal Government played a crucial role in this transformation by launching urgent measures and publishing weekly air quality reports. The measures aimed to tackle pollution at its source, including reducing the use of coal-fired boilers, providing cleaner fuels for residential use, and restructuring industries to lower emissions. Additionally, Beijing focused on preventing dust pollution by repairing degraded ecosystems and increasing green spaces within the city.
Beijing's approach to pollution governance is characterised by centralisation and top-down implementation, with strong political will and clearly defined accountability systems. This contrasts with India's approach, which reflects the division of power between central and state governments and relies on legislative and judiciary systems for accountability. While both frameworks have the potential to lead to effective pollution control, China's centralised system has achieved more significant improvements in air quality.
Beijing's success in reducing pollution is not limited to the city itself but has contributed to a modest drop in global pollution levels. China's efforts are the sole reason for the decline in global pollution between 2013 and 2021, according to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. The country has restricted the number of cars on the road in major cities, reduced capacity in emissions-heavy industries, and banned new coal-fired power plants in some areas.
In summary, Beijing's successful pollution battle has been a result of a careful and slowly built-up plan, with the participation of its people and strong leadership from the local government. While China's war against pollution is not yet over, the country's progress, led by Beijing, offers valuable lessons for other developing nations facing similar challenges.
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Delhi's pollution crisis
Delhi, the capital of India, has been facing a severe pollution crisis for several years. The air quality index of Delhi is generally Satisfactory (51–100) and Moderate (101–200) from March to September. However, from October to February, it deteriorates to Poor (201–300), Severe (301–400), or even Hazardous (401–500+) levels. This deterioration is attributed to various factors, including stubble burning, the burning of effigies during Vijayadashami, the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, thermal power plants, road dust, vehicle pollution, and cold weather.
Another significant contributor to Delhi's pollution crisis is the frequent aircraft movements associated with the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The exhaust from these aircraft, particularly the very small matter, is a serious concern for the city's air quality. Additionally, the river Yamuna, which is crucial to Delhi, has suffered heavily from water pollution due to the discharge of raw sewage and the lack of solid waste treatment facilities. Delhi's groundwater resources are also under threat due to excessive use and contamination from construction activities and landfill sites.
To address the pollution crisis, the Delhi government has implemented several measures. In 2021, the government announced the closure of schools and government offices for a week due to severe air pollution. Specific action plans have been developed to identify and mitigate local sources of air pollution, with the Deputy Commissioners of MCD Zones being made responsible for executing these plans. Additionally, the city's organizing committee for the 2014 Asian Games claimed that pollution levels had decreased drastically with the introduction of the Metro rail and the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in all public transport vehicles. However, the growth in vehicle numbers and mileage continues to outpace efforts to reduce emissions.
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India's agricultural burning
India and China have both struggled with severe air pollution, threatening the health of over one-third of the global population. However, China has made significant strides in improving its air quality, while India continues to battle worsening pollution levels, particularly from agricultural burning.
The smoke from agricultural burning, combined with emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources, creates a toxic haze that spreads across northern India. The city of Delhi, located about 250 km from the agricultural heartlands of Punjab and Haryana, is particularly affected by this pollution. The cooler and stagnant winter air traps pollutants in the city, exacerbating the problem. According to estimates, the smoke from stubble burning contributes between 1% to 42% to Delhi's air pollution, with the average contribution growing from 10% in 2019 to 15% in 2020.
The root of the agricultural burning problem in India dates back to the 1960s when the country incentivized farmers to adopt a rotation of high-yield rice and wheat crops to ensure food security for its growing population. The states of Punjab and Haryana, which were chosen to lead the Green Revolution, largely shifted from traditional crops to rice and wheat cultivation. Today, these states produce much of the country's grains, and the tight schedule of the harvest-to-sowing transition makes it challenging for farmers to adopt alternative practices to stubble burning.
Various efforts have been made to address India's agricultural burning problem. The Indian government has implemented regulations, including crop residue management, burning bans, and fines. Additionally, organizations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are working directly with farmers to put out agricultural fires and promote alternative practices. Some farmers have adopted new equipment, such as the Super Seeder and reversible plough, which allow for no-burn crop residue management. However, the cost of these new tools can be a hurdle for small-scale farmers, and the curbs to stop agricultural burning have largely been ineffective.
In summary, India's agricultural burning is a significant contributor to the country's air pollution crisis, endangering the health and well-being of millions. While efforts are being made to address this issue, the complex interplay of agricultural policies, economic factors, and traditional practices presents ongoing challenges in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of agricultural burning in India.
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Frequently asked questions
No, India is more polluted than China. Of the world's most polluted 30 cities, 22 are in India, while the remaining eight are in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China.
India's pollution is due to crop residue burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities. While India has similar policy frameworks to China, it has a different implementation approach. India's approach reflects the division of power among central and state governments and relies on legislative and judiciary systems for accountability.
China has restricted the number of cars on the road in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while capacity in emissions-heavy iron and steel industries has fallen, and new coal-fired power plants have been banned in some areas. China has also banned all agricultural burning.
India can learn from China's strict regulations, massive investments, and coordinated approach. India's local governments are run by an array of parties, making coordination "really complicated".
