Brian Barton
India and China are two of the world's most populous countries, and they are also two of the biggest emitters of carbon emissions. In 2023, the world pumped 1.1% more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than the previous year, and India and China were major contributors to this increase. Both countries have struggled with hazardous levels of air pollution, which is a serious health and environmental concern. While China has made significant improvements in air quality in recent years, India's pollution levels have continued to worsen, with 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in the country. This paragraph introduces the topic of pollution in India and China, and subsequent paragraphs will explore the specific directions in which this pollution is carried and its impacts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cities in the world's top 30 polluted cities | India: 22 |
| China: 0 | |
| Pakistan, Bangladesh: 8 | |
| Global ranking of countries based on air quality | Bangladesh |
| Pakistan | |
| India | |
| Primary sources of air pollution | India: Vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, road dust, refuse burning, agricultural burning |
| China: Transportation and industries, agricultural burning | |
| Number of cities in the world's top 100 polluted cities | India: 65 |
| China: 16 | |
| Carbon dioxide emissions | China: 28% of global emissions |
| India: 7% of global emissions | |
| Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality | China: 45.25% drop in PM2.5, 37.42% drop in NO2 |
| India: 64.65% drop in PM2.5, 65.80% drop in NO2 |
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What You'll Learn
China's pollution control efforts
China's approach to air pollution governance has been characterized by centralized target-setting and implementation, with policies enforced through administrative lines. One example is the ban on agricultural burning, which has helped improve air quality. Additionally, China has addressed the issue of emission control of sulfur dioxide (SO2), resolving the deteriorating acid rain problem in 2007. Since 2013, control actions have targeted the reduction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), marking a transition to an air-quality-oriented strategy.
To achieve carbon neutrality goals, China has implemented short-term policies that focus on increasing the share of scrap-electric arc furnaces (EAF) while reducing crude steel demand. They have also promoted breakthrough technologies, such as hydrogen-based direct reduction. China's past economic growth has been heavily reliant on fossil fuels, and decoupling economic growth from pollution is now a strategic focus in developing ecological civilization.
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India's ineffective policies
India's pollution problem is well-documented, with 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in the country. The sources of air pollution in India are vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, road dust, and refuse burning. India's air pollution policies have been largely ineffective, and the country has struggled to tackle the rise of toxic pollution levels.
One example of a flagship policy that has failed is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aimed to improve air quality in over 100 of India's most polluted cities. Experts attribute the failure of the NCAP to underfunding and poor design. The NCAP required cities to reduce pollution within their boundaries, but as a senior project manager pointed out, cities cannot control emissions from outside their boundaries.
Another example of India's ineffective policies is the Bharat Stage VI emission standards, which target tailpipe emissions such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. While this policy is one of India's most aggressive efforts against air pollution, it is a catch-up policy that merely brings India in line with existing European Union regulations.
India's approach to air pollution governance reflects the division of power between central and state governments and relies heavily on legislative and judiciary systems for accountability. This has resulted in a lack of strong political will and clearly defined accountability systems, which are key to the success of air pollution control.
Additionally, India's policies often overlook the causes of pollution. For example, agricultural burning is a significant contributor to pollution, but it is often overlooked in favor of focusing on cars and heavy industry.
To address its pollution problem effectively, India must adopt comprehensive strategies, including stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, investment in clean technologies, promoting sustainable urban planning, and increasing public participation in pollution control efforts.
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Air pollution sources
India and China are two of the most polluted countries in the world, with India taking the lead. The air pollution in these countries is caused by a variety of sources, which are outlined below.
India
India's pollution is largely caused by a mix of different factors, including traffic, fossil fuel-burning power plants, heavy industries, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, road dust, and refuse burning. India's Supreme Court has ordered a stop to stubble burning in the states around Delhi, but the city's pollution is made worse by the colder winter air, which is more stagnant and traps pollutants. India's policies regarding air pollution have been largely ineffective, and the country has been described as reactive rather than proactive in dealing with the issue.
China
China's air pollution is also caused by transportation and industries, with 50% of the PM in urban air coming from traffic emissions. China has a more centralized approach to policy-making and implementation, with policies enforced through top-down administrative lines. This has resulted in significant improvements in air quality. China has also banned all agricultural burning, which is a significant source of pollution. However, China's current emissions reduction policies in the iron and steel industry are not enough to achieve carbon neutrality goals.
Other sources of pollution
In addition to local sources of pollution, India and China's pollution may also be influenced by regional transmission and unfavorable air dispersion conditions. Additionally, rapid urbanization and industrial growth in both countries have contributed to severe air pollution over the past decade.
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Impact on health
Air pollution in China and India has had a significant impact on the health of their citizens, as well as contributing to global health issues. China's air pollution is a mix of outdoor and indoor pollution, with industrial emissions being a major contributor. The Chinese Ministry of Health has acknowledged that industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in the country. A 2007 World Bank report estimated that outdoor air pollution caused 350,000 to 400,000 premature deaths annually, while indoor pollution contributed to an additional 300,000 deaths. The report also highlighted that water-borne pollution resulted in 60,000 deaths from diarrhea, bladder and stomach cancer, and other diseases.
China's air pollution has not only affected its citizens but also had international repercussions. Traces of smog from mainland China have been detected as far away as California. Beijing, in particular, has recorded extremely high levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers), which has severe health impacts, especially during cold seasons when smog is more prevalent. The Chinese government has implemented initiatives such as Operation National Sword to monitor and reduce solid waste imports, and industries have adopted flue-gas desulfurization technology to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. These efforts have shown some improvements in air quality.
India's air pollution is also a mix of outdoor and indoor pollution, with industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage as major contributors. According to the WHO, around seven million people die annually from exposure to fine particles in polluted air, leading to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. India's Supreme Court has ordered a stop to stubble burning around Delhi, recognizing the health impacts of pollution. However, the country's policies have been largely ineffective, and pollution levels remain high, with 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in India.
The health consequences of air pollution in India are evident, with studies showing associations between exposure and increased disease burden, mortality, and reduced life expectancy. Air pollution also adversely affects India's economy, with an estimated loss of $2.57 billion due to contaminated food grain and reduced productivity caused by health issues. India has implemented programs like the National Clean Air Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna to improve access to clean energy options and address ambient air pollution.
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Global responsibility
While India and China are responsible for high levels of pollution, it is important to acknowledge the global responsibility in tackling this issue. Both countries are undergoing rapid industrialization and modernization, which are significant contributors to their hazardous pollution levels. However, it is worth noting that the products manufactured in these countries are often exported and consumed by nations in the Global North, such as the UK and the US. This means that a significant portion of the emissions generated during production should also be attributed to the importing countries.
China and India are facing the challenges of rapid urbanization and industrial growth, which have led to severe air pollution and public health crises. With over one-third of the global population threatened by the health impacts of air pollution, it is a matter of global concern. The air pollution caused by transportation and industries, particularly in urban areas, is a serious environmental issue. The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution resulted in approximately 4.14 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, with China and India accounting for 58% of these deaths.
When it comes to air pollution governance, China and India have different approaches. China's centralized target-setting and top-down implementation have achieved significant improvements in air quality. In contrast, India's approach, similar to the US, reflects the division of power between central and state governments and relies on legislative and judiciary systems for accountability. However, India's policies have been largely ineffective in improving air quality.
To address the climate emergency effectively, a global solution is necessary. Countries in the Global North, such as the US, UK, Japan, France, and Germany, need to recognize their role in outsourcing key industrial processes and the resulting emissions. For example, in 2012, China emitted 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from producing exported goods, accounting for 16% of its total emissions. Additionally, steel production, which contributes significantly to China's CO2 emissions, supplies half of the world's steel.
It is important to acknowledge that the richest 10% of people are responsible for 50% of climate-wrecking pollution. High-income countries, such as the UK, have both a historical responsibility and the capacity to take ambitious climate action. Poorer countries, on the other hand, need support in developing renewable energy sources and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Grassroots environmental movements in China and India are gaining traction, and it is crucial to recognize these local and national mobilizations demanding change from leaders.
In summary, while India and China contribute significantly to global pollution levels, it is a global responsibility to address this issue effectively. The consumption of goods produced in these countries and the outsourcing of industrial processes contribute to their emissions. A global solution is necessary, and high-income countries must take the lead in addressing the climate crisis, providing support to poorer nations, and recognizing the efforts of local and national mobilizations in China and India.
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Frequently asked questions
China, India, and the aviation industry.
Vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, road dust, and refuse burning.
Transportation and industries.
Air pollution has been identified as a primary cause of mortality, causing various respiratory diseases such as asthma, premature deaths, and cardiovascular diseases.
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