Meghan Hodges
Shanghai, China's largest city, has long been associated with air pollution. The city's air quality has been a concern for residents and environmentalists alike, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeding the World Health Organization's guidelines. While efforts have been made to improve the situation, the health effects of air pollution in Shanghai remain a serious issue, comparable to the impact of cigarette smoking. The Chinese government has invested billions in pollution control and has seen some success, but the city still experiences episodes of dangerously high pollution levels, such as during the 2013 Eastern China smog. This raises the question: when Shanghai experiences low visibility, is it fog, or is it pollution haze?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels | Above WHO health guidelines |
| Worst episode of air pollution | During the 2013 Eastern China smog |
| PM2.5 levels during the worst episode | Crossed the 300 µg/m3 mark on December 2, 2013 |
| Recommended WHO guideline for PM2.5 | 10 µg/m3 |
| Average PM2.5 exposure reduction in China between 1990 and 2017 | 9% |
| Target for PM2.5 reduction in Greater Shanghai by 2017 | 20% |
| Actual PM2.5 levels reduction in Shanghai by 2016 | 26% below 2015 levels |
| Target for PM2.5 reduction across China by 2020 | 18% below 2015 levels |
| Air pollution | Third leading cause of death worldwide |
| Factors contributing to foggy haze | Emissions, meteorological conditions, Asian monsoon, and variations in the troposphere |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai's air pollution levels are above WHO guidelines
Shanghai, like most large cities, has fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above World Health Organization (WHO) health guidelines. The recommended guideline for PM2.5 exposure is 10 ?g / m3, but Shanghai's levels have historically been much higher. For example, during the 2013 Eastern China smog, readings crossed the 300 ?g / m3 mark.
The Chinese government has taken steps to address this issue, unveiling the "Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan," which set targets for PM2.5 reduction by region for 2017. Greater Shanghai's target was a 20% reduction, which was successfully met. By 2016, Shanghai had already reduced air pollution by 26% below 2015 levels, and local authorities have continued their efforts with further plans.
Despite these improvements, Shanghai's air pollution levels remain a concern. The health effects of air pollution are serious, often compared to the impacts of cigarette smoking. Additionally, the economic losses due to air pollution in China have been significant, exceeding US$ 1 billion per year.
Shanghai's air pollution is influenced by various factors, including the Asian monsoon and meteorological conditions. The city's rapid urbanization and economic development have also contributed to the issue. NASA's Landsat satellites have captured the astounding expansion of the Shanghai metropolis, highlighting the challenge of managing air quality in a rapidly growing city.
While Shanghai's air quality has shown signs of improvement due to government initiatives, it continues to face the challenge of reducing PM2.5 levels to meet WHO guidelines and ensure a healthier environment for its residents.
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The Chinese government's Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan
Shanghai, like many large cities, has fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above the World Health Organization's (WHO) health guidelines. In 2013, Shanghai experienced one of its worst episodes of air pollution during the Eastern China smog, when PM2.5 levels exceeded the recommended amount by almost thirty times.
In 2014, China's Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war against pollution" at the National People's Congress, marking a shift in the country's long-standing policy of prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection. This declaration was followed by the implementation of the Chinese government's Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, a US$284.2 billion plan that set targets for PM2.5 reduction by region for 2017. The goals of this plan were achieved, with Shanghai reducing air pollution by 26% below 2015 levels by 2016.
The Action Plan includes the following key measures:
- Reducing the density of hazardous airborne particles (PM2.5) by specific percentages by target dates. For example, by 2025, China aims to cut PM2.5 density by 10% compared to 2020 levels.
- Keeping the number of days with severe pollution to a minimum, with a target of less than 1%.
- Developing new and clean energy sources, increasing natural gas production, and curbing projects with high energy consumption and emissions.
- Reducing coal consumption in specific regions, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, by about 10% from 2020 levels by 2025.
- Increasing the use of freight cargo transport by rail and water to decrease higher-polluting road transport.
- Expanding funding for clean heating in northern regions and providing financial support for upgrading traditional industries.
These measures demonstrate the Chinese government's commitment to addressing air pollution and improving the country's air quality, with a focus on regional coordination, pollution monitoring, and the clarification of responsibilities for various stakeholders.
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The health effects of air pollution in Shanghai
Shanghai has been undergoing a rapid transformation from a heavily polluted industrial city to a global city over the past four decades. The city has significantly reduced industrial pollution and lowered its energy and emission intensity. However, total energy consumption continues to increase rapidly to meet the demands of fast urbanisation and population growth. As a result, the primary source of air pollution has shifted from coal combustion to a mixture of coal combustion and motor vehicle emissions, with particulate matter (PM) becoming the primary air pollutant in the region.
Outdoor air pollution is currently Shanghai's most challenging environmental problem. The city's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are above the World Health Organization's (WHO) health guidelines, with an average PM2.5 exposure in China dropping only by 9% from 57.8 to 52.7 µg/m3 between 1990 and 2017. Shanghai's air pollution reached alarming levels during the 2013 Eastern China smog episode, with readings crossing the 300 µg/m3 mark on December 2nd, far exceeding the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m3.
Air pollution also takes a toll on psychological health, with respondents in studies reporting stress and behavioural changes due to prolonged exposure. The severity of these health impacts can vary depending on individual health status, pollution levels, and genetic factors.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Chinese government unveiled the "$284.2 billion Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan", setting targets for PM2.5 reduction by region for 2017. Shanghai met its goal of a 20% reduction and continued its efforts with further initiatives, such as the "Blue Sky Action Plan". These actions reflect a commitment to improving air quality and mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution in Shanghai and across China.
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The impact of meteorological conditions on local pollution
Meteorological conditions play a crucial role in the spread, dilution, and accumulation of atmospheric pollutants. Local meteorological conditions, such as wind direction, wind velocity, wind turbulence, solar radiation, atmospheric temperature stratification, atmospheric stability, cloudiness, and atmospheric pressure, all significantly influence the diffusion and concentration of pollutants in a specific area. For instance, during the COVID-19 lockdown in Northeast China, studies examined the impact of meteorological conditions on air quality by dividing the region into three areas: Harbin (Northern), Changchun (Middle), and Shenyang (Southern). The findings revealed that the concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, CO, and SO2 tended to decrease initially and then increase, while O3 concentrations exhibited more significant cyclical changes influenced by weather circulation patterns.
Shanghai, a rapidly developing metropolis, has faced challenges with air pollution, particularly during the 2013 Eastern China smog episode. Regulatory efforts, such as the "Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan," have helped reduce PM2.5 levels in the Yangtze River Delta region, which includes Shanghai. However, air pollution remains a significant issue, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeding WHO health guidelines.
The interaction between meteorological conditions and human activities further influences air quality. Northeast China, a hub of heavy industry, experiences year-round air pollution, and the lockdown provided an opportunity to study the impact of reduced human activities on air quality. Meteorological factors, such as large-scale weather circulation patterns and local weather conditions, affect the concentration and dispersion of pollutants.
Additionally, meteorological conditions can directly impact human health. For example, certain conditions, such as high atmospheric pressure, low temperature, low humidity, and large diurnal amplitude, can induce or aggravate asthma. The incidence of asthma has increased significantly in China's large cities, highlighting the importance of addressing air pollution and understanding the role of meteorological conditions in its mitigation.
Overall, meteorological conditions have a profound impact on local pollution by influencing the spread and concentration of pollutants, interacting with human activities, and directly affecting human health. Understanding these complex relationships is crucial for developing effective pollution control strategies and safeguarding public health.
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Shanghai's air pollution reduction efforts
Shanghai's air pollution is a serious issue, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above WHO health guidelines. This is due to the city's rapid economic and urban growth, with a GDP growth average of 9.5% through 2018, and an urban population increase from 18% in 1978 to 59% in 2018.
To combat this, the Chinese government has implemented various measures as part of its air pollution reduction efforts. In 2017, the government unveiled the "Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan," a US$284.2 billion initiative to reduce PM2.5 levels in the Yangtze River Delta region, which includes Shanghai. The plan was successful, achieving a 20% reduction in PM2.5 levels by 2017.
Building on this success, China released the "Blue Sky Action Plan" in 2018, which set targets for the entire nation. Shanghai exceeded these goals, reducing air pollution by 26% below 2015 levels by 2016. Local authorities have continued their efforts, releasing a master plan for 2040 that calls for further reductions in PM2.5.
In addition to these regional plans, China has also made significant progress on a national level. During the period of 2015–2018, the Chinese government invested 152 billion Chinese Yuan in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) and surrounding regions, resulting in a decrease in annual local concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2. This improvement in air quality was estimated to have avoided 27,021 premature deaths attributed to air pollution exposure.
China has also focused on energy structure adjustment and pollutant emission reduction from industry, transportation, and household sectors. The Clean Winter Heating Plan in Northern China (2017–2021) aimed to replace 150 million tons of unorganized and scattered burning coal with clean heating devices. By early 2019, China achieved a 9% average reduction in PM2.5 levels compared to 2018, with Beijing dropping out of the top 200 most polluted cities globally.
Overall, China's efforts to combat air pollution have been significant, and the country continues to strive towards reducing emissions and improving air quality, with a long-term goal of cutting carbon intensity by 18% between 2020 and 2030.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, air pollution is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and Shanghai's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are above WHO health guidelines.
The primary cause of Shanghai's air pollution is the rapid economic development and urbanization that China has undergone since its economic reform in 1979.
The Chinese government has implemented various measures, such as the "Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan," which aims to reduce PM2.5 levels, and the "Blue Sky Action Plan," which sets targets for the entire nation. These efforts have shown some success, with Shanghai reducing air pollution by 26% below 2015 levels by 2016.
Meteorological conditions, such as the Asian monsoon and the daily cycling change of the sun's zenith angle, influence air quality. The interaction between emissions and weather can create foggy haze pollutants that affect Shanghai and other regions.
