Kiera Jefferson
China's pollution problem is a well-known issue, with the country ranking 11th in a list of the dirtiest countries worldwide in 2019. The country's rapid industrialization and economic growth have resulted in intense levels of air pollution, causing serious social, economic, and political problems. China's large population of 1.4 billion people, rapid urbanization, and immense economic growth have resulted in high levels of air and water pollution, with the country's major cities constantly covered in a toxic gray shroud. While China has implemented policies to combat pollution and made significant progress in recent years, it still has a long way to go to ensure safe air and water quality for its citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deaths due to air pollution | 350,000-400,000 premature deaths per year |
| Deaths due to poor-quality indoor air | 300,000 per year |
| Deaths due to poor water quality | 60,000 per year |
| Total premature deaths due to air and water pollution | 760,000 per year |
| Number of cities with the worst air quality in the world | 7 out of 10 |
| Cities with the worst air quality | Anyang, Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Handan, Linfen, Tangshan, Taiyuan, Zibo, Jiaozuo, Jincheng, Beijing, Urumqi, Lanzhou, Chongqing, Jinan, Shi |
| Population without safe and clean drinking water | 500 million |
| Population breathing unsafe air | 550 million |
| Water resources affected by severe water shortages and pollution | 19% of water in main rivers, 80% of 878 rivers surveyed in the early 1980s |
| Particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) | 3 times above the World Health Organization's recommended level |
| Number of electric vehicles | The highest in the world |
| Investment in fighting pollution | Over $277 billion pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning in 2013 |
| Reduction in PM2.5 levels between 2013 and 2017 | 33% in at least 74 cities |
| Reduction in PM2.5 levels between 2013 and 2022 | 41% |
| Expected increase in average life expectancy if pollution is reduced to WHO levels | 2 years |
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What You'll Learn
China's air pollution crisis
The primary sources of air pollution in China include the combustion of coal, the burning of fossil fuels in vehicle engines, and biomass combustion. The country's economic boom, increasing number of motorized vehicles, population growth, and expanding manufacturing outputs have all contributed to the escalating pollution levels. Notably, China's large coal-powered industries, which have been key drivers of its economic development, are also significant contributors to its air pollution crisis.
The consequences of this pollution are dire. According to a 2015 study by Berkeley Earth, approximately 1.6 million people in China die annually from heart, lung, and stroke problems attributable to polluted air. Another study estimated that up to 760,000 people in China die prematurely each year due to air and water pollution. The impact on life expectancy is profound, with air pollution reducing the average Chinese resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years compared to meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Chinese government has implemented several important policies to combat air pollution. In 2013, the Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan identified coal as a critical driver of air pollution and imposed caps on its consumption. The government has also taken steps to phase out older, less efficient coal plants, replacing them with ultra-supercritical facilities designed to produce more energy with less coal. Additionally, China has encouraged a transition from coal to natural gas as a source of power for both homes and industries. These efforts have yielded some positive results, with a 41% reduction in fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) between 2013 and 2022.
Despite these improvements, China still has a long way to go in addressing its air pollution crisis. While the country's overall particulate pollution average complies with its national standard, 30.9% of the population resides in areas that exceed this standard. Furthermore, the immense urban growth of Chinese cities continues to increase the demand for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, presenting ongoing challenges in managing air pollution. Nevertheless, with sustained efforts and continued investment in pollution control, there is hope that China can win its "war against pollution," improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Water shortages and pollution
China's water resources are affected by severe water shortages and severe water pollution. The country's rapid population increase, rapid economic growth, and lax environmental oversight have resulted in increased water demand and pollution. China is the world's biggest water user, accounting for 13% of the world's freshwater consumption. However, as the country continues to rapidly urbanize and develop economically, clean water is becoming scarcer. Aquifer levels are dropping, lakes are disappearing, rivers are drying up or becoming polluted, and air contaminants are producing acid rain.
Water shortages plague over half of China's cities, and the problem is particularly acute in the country's north. Northern China's main river, the Yellow River, has dried up every year since 1985 due to overuse. Hebei Province, located next to Beijing, has already lost 969 of its 1,052 lakes, and the water level of its deep aquifer falls three meters every year. In addition to overuse, climate change is also contributing to water shortages in China. Rapid climate change is shortening the country's rainy seasons and melting important glaciers that feed the Yellow River. Northern China's rivers are drying up due to a growing population, more factories, and water-hungry crop fields. Overgrazing by livestock has also turned grasslands into sandy deserts, causing ecosystems to lose their natural water-trapping capabilities and become even drier.
Water pollution is a severe problem in China, with a 2007 draft report from the World Bank and SEPA stating that 60,000 premature deaths occur each year due to poor water quality. An investigation showed that 19% of the water in China's main rivers has been polluted, totaling a length of 95,000 kilometers. A survey of 878 rivers in the early 1980s revealed that 80% were polluted to some extent, and fish became extinct in more than 5% of the total river length throughout the country. Furthermore, there are over 20 waterways unsuitable for agricultural irrigation due to water pollution. China's rapid economic growth has resulted in immense levels of environmental degradation, with industrial wastewater discharge, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff contaminating water sources. In 2015, 3.78 billion cubic meters of untreated wastewater was discharged across China, including 1.98 million cubic meters in Beijing alone.
The Chinese government has taken steps to address the water pollution problem by issuing stricter regulations on pollutants and investing billions in water projects. However, water quality remains generally poor, and nearly half of the country missed its five-year water quality targets, according to Greenpeace research. China's water crisis is a significant issue that affects the survival and quality of life of its citizens, with access to drinkable water being a pressing concern.
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The impact on public health
China's pollution problem has had a significant impact on the health of its citizens. The country's rapid industrialization and economic growth have led to intense levels of air and water pollution, causing serious social, economic, and political problems. Air pollution alone kills hundreds of thousands of people in China every year. A 2015 study estimated that 1.6 million people in China die annually from heart, lung, and stroke problems due to polluted air. Additionally, 500 million people in China lack access to safe and clean drinking water.
Water resources in China are affected by severe shortages and severe pollution. Rapid population growth, economic expansion, and lax environmental oversight have increased water demand and pollution levels. China's industrial expansion and economic boom since the late 1970s have resulted in a drastic increase in coal-powered industrial production and electricity demand, as well as a surge in private vehicles, all contributing to air pollution. In 1980, agriculture, forestry, husbandry, and rural residents accounted for about 88% of the country's total water consumption. However, an investigation revealed that 19% of the water in the main rivers was polluted, leading to the extinction of fish in over 5% of the total river length.
Air pollution in China's cities is a critical concern, with seven of the ten most air-polluted cities in the world located in China. The high levels of air pollution cause hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year. Lead poisoning and other types of local pollution continue to claim the lives of many children. The pollution has also spread internationally, with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides falling as acid rain on Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, and even reaching Los Angeles in the US.
China has made some progress in reducing pollution and improving air quality in recent years. Since its ""war against pollution" announcement in 2014, China has seen a decline in fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), with levels down by 41-42% compared to 2013. Beijing, the capital city, achieved its air pollution targets for the first time in 2021. The government has implemented policies such as the 2013 Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, which recognized coal as a key driver of air pollution and placed caps on its consumption. China is also investing in clean energy technologies and transmission grids. These improvements have led to an increase in life expectancy for Chinese citizens, with an estimated gain of 2.2 to 2.5 years compared to 2013 if the reductions are sustained.
However, despite these improvements, China still has a long way to go. The overall particulate pollution average in China complies with its national standard of 35 µg/m³, but it significantly exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. As a result, particulate pollution shortens the average Chinese resident's life expectancy by 2.3 to 2.5 years compared to meeting the WHO guideline. China is also the world's largest emitter of marine plastic debris and mercury air pollution, posing significant risks to public health and the environment.
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Pollution's global reach
China's pollution problem is well-known, and it has been called the world's most polluted country. Its rapid industrialization, economic growth, and population increase have resulted in intense levels of air and water pollution, causing serious social, economic, and political problems.
China's air pollution is mainly caused by the combustion of coal, fossil fuels, and biomass, as well as emissions from power stations, factories, and vehicles. In 2019, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country in the world, and its fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) levels have been a major concern, often exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines. This type of pollution is dangerous as it can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing long-term health issues and contributing to millions of premature deaths annually.
However, China has made significant progress in reducing pollution in recent years. Since declaring a “war against pollution” in 2014, pollution levels have decreased by 41% by 2022 compared to 2013. The government has implemented policies such as the 2013 Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, which targeted coal consumption, and encouraged a shift to natural gas and electric vehicles. These efforts have resulted in improved air quality and increased life expectancy for Chinese citizens.
The effects of China's pollution, however, are not limited to its borders. Pollution from China, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, has spread internationally, affecting countries like South Korea, Japan, and even reaching the US. The immense environmental degradation caused by China's economic growth has also impacted the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the formation of the "Blob," an immense patch of warming waters.
While China's pollution problem has had a global reach, it is not the only country facing such challenges. Other countries, like India, the US, and Saudi Arabia, also struggle with air pollution due to their reliance on coal and fossil fuels. Balancing economic development with environmental protection is a complex issue for many nations, especially developing countries, highlighting the need for global cooperation and sustainable solutions.
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China's efforts to combat pollution
China's rapid industrialization has resulted in intense levels of air pollution, threatening the health and livelihoods of its 1.4 billion citizens and endangering global efforts to fight climate change. A 2015 study estimated that 1.6 million people in China die annually from heart, lung, and stroke problems due to polluted air.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, China has implemented several policies and taken concrete steps to combat pollution. Here are some key efforts:
- The 2013 Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan: This plan identified coal as a significant contributor to air pollution and imposed caps on its consumption. China has been working to reduce coal consumption by improving energy efficiency and increasing the supply of renewable energy sources.
- Retiring Inefficient Coal Plants: China has shut down older, less efficient coal-fired power plants and is replacing them with "ultra-supercritical facilities" designed to produce more energy with less coal.
- National Air Pollution Action Plans: China has developed and implemented various national air pollution action plans, which have led to significant reductions in pollution levels and associated health risks. The Air Pollution Action Plan released in September 2013 became China's most influential environmental policy.
- Investing in Forestry: China has invested heavily in forestry, with expenditures exceeding those of the US and Europe. This has contributed to increasing forest cover in the country.
- Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program: Supported by the World Bank, this program has financed investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. It has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.5 million tons per year.
- Reducing PM2.5 Levels: China has set goals to lower PM2.5 levels in its worst-affected cities and has made progress in achieving these targets.
- Strengthening Regulations: The Chinese government has recommended strengthening regulations on particulate matter and ozone to eliminate heavy pollution during specific periods.
While China has made notable progress in reducing pollution, challenges remain. The country must balance economic growth with environmental and social welfare, and pollution levels still exceed the World Health Organization's guidelines. Sustaining and building upon current efforts will be crucial for China to continue improving its environmental situation and the health of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
China is not the worst country for pollution, but it does have a serious pollution problem. In 2019, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country in the world. However, seven of the ten most air-polluted cities in the world are in China.
The main cause of pollution in China is the combustion of coal, fossil fuels, and biomass. China's rapid industrialization, economic growth, and urbanization have also contributed to its pollution problem.
Air pollution alone kills hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens every year. A 2015 study estimated that 1.6 million people in China die annually from heart, lung, and stroke problems due to polluted air.
China has implemented several policies to fight pollution, including the 2013 Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, which placed caps on coal consumption. China is also investing heavily in combating pollution, with over $277 billion pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning in 2013.
Yes, China's pollution has spread internationally. For example, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides fall as acid rain on Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, and can even reach Los Angeles in the US.
