Kiera Jefferson
China has implemented a variety of measures to reduce pollution, particularly air pollution, which has been a significant issue in the country for several decades. The Chinese government has introduced policies and rules to limit the amount of pollution that companies can emit, with notable improvements in air quality in recent years. China's Air Pollution Action Plan, released in 2013, was considered its most influential environmental policy, setting targets for key regions and requiring significant reductions in PM2.5 levels between 2013 and 2017. The country has also promoted the use of electric vehicles, restricted the number of cars on the road in large cities, and invested heavily in afforestation and reforestation programs. China's nationally determined contribution at the Paris Agreement in 2016 pledged to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060. While China has made progress in reducing pollution, some efforts have resulted in increased pollution in nearby areas, highlighting the complex nature of the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets | Peak CO2 emissions by 2030, increase the use of non-fossil fuel energy carriers to 20% of the total primary energy supply |
| Paris Agreement targets | Peak emissions by 2030, net zero by 2060 |
| 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) targets | Reduce carbon intensity by 18% by 2020, renewable energy target of 15% of total energy |
| 2020 Action Plan targets | VOC emissions reductions of 10%, nitrogen oxide emissions reductions of 15% by 2020 |
| 2023 Action Plan targets | Cut density of hazardous airborne particles (PM2.5) by 10% by 2025, keep number of days with severe pollution to less than 1%, reduce coal consumption in key regions, increase freight cargo transport by rail and water by 10% and 12% by 2025 |
| Other initiatives | Electric vehicles, fast-charging stations, aggressive afforestation and reforestation programmes, reduction of iron and steel-making capacity, closure of coal mines |
| Impact | Significant improvements in air quality, estimated 2.4-year increase in average life expectancy |
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What You'll Learn
China's 2020 action plan for air pollution
The 2020 Action Plan built upon the successes of the previous five years, including the Air Pollution Action Plan released in 2013, which helped China significantly improve its air quality by setting PM2.5 targets for key regions. The 2013 plan led to a 35% reduction in PM2.5 levels in Beijing, allowing the city to achieve an annual average of 58µg/m³. Other major city clusters, such as the Pearl and Yangtze Deltas, also beat their targets.
However, the 2020 Action Plan acknowledged that more needed to be done, especially in regions like the Fen-Wei Plain, which replaced the Pearl River Delta as a key region in the new plan. The Fen-Wei Plain suffers from high levels of sulphur dioxide pollution and PM2.5 levels. The plan required a reduction in coal consumption in this region and banned small-scale coal burning for heat in winter. It also aimed for an 18% reduction in PM2.5 levels in cities that had not met existing standards, targeting at least 80% of days with fairly good air quality and a 25% decrease in highly polluted days.
To support its efforts, China received international funding and assistance. The World Bank, through its Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program, provided investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loaned $500 million, leveraging additional financing for the government's air pollution control program. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) also provided a grant to enhance results measurement and develop innovative financial products.
While China's actions have shown promising results, some researchers noted that pollution levels had simply shifted rather than decreased overall. They found that pollution levels just outside major metropolitan areas had increased significantly, indicating that companies were moving to nearby areas with less stringent regulations. Despite these challenges, China remains committed to improving its air quality and meeting its environmental goals.
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The 13th Five-Year Plan
China has implemented various measures to combat pollution and improve its environmental record. One of the key strategies has been the introduction of the "13th Five-Year Plan," which outlines specific goals and initiatives to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development from 2016 to 2020.
- Air Pollution Control: China aimed to reduce PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentrations and improve air quality in key areas, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Fenwei Plain. Measures included stricter emission standards for industries, promoting clean energy and electric vehicles, and enhancing regional cooperation to address transboundary air pollution.
- Water Pollution Control: The plan targeted a reduction in water pollution levels in key rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Actions included upgrading industrial wastewater treatment facilities, promoting ecological restoration of water bodies, strengthening supervision of drinking water sources, and improving sewage treatment infrastructure in rural areas.
- Soil Pollution Prevention and Control: China focused on preventing and controlling soil pollution by establishing a national soil pollution monitoring network and improving soil risk management. They also worked to remediate contaminated agricultural land and implement measures to prevent soil pollution from solid waste and heavy metals.
- Solid Waste Management: The plan emphasized the importance of reducing, recycling, and properly disposing of solid waste. China aimed to increase waste sorting and recycling rates, improve hazardous waste management, and promote the safe disposal of household garbage.
- Ecological Protection and Restoration: Efforts were made to protect and restore ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and nature reserves. China also worked on biodiversity conservation, with a focus on protecting endangered species and establishing national parks.
- Green Development: The plan promoted sustainable and low-carbon development by encouraging the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. It also encouraged the development of green industries, the application of green technologies, and the construction of eco-friendly infrastructure.
- Environmental Governance: China sought to improve environmental law enforcement and strengthen the accountability of local governments and enterprises for pollution control. It also encouraged public participation in environmental protection and promoted environmental education and awareness campaigns.
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Reducing coal consumption
China has implemented various policies and initiatives to reduce coal consumption and mitigate climate change. Here are some key measures focused on reducing coal consumption:
The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020)
China's 13th Five-Year Plan outlined specific environmental and productivity goals, including reducing coal consumption and promoting renewable energy sources. The plan aimed to decrease China's high energy consumption per unit of GDP and encourage more productive and environmentally friendly energy production and consumption.
Air Pollution Action Plans
China's Air Pollution Action Plans, particularly the one released in September 2013, have been influential in reducing coal consumption. This plan set targets for key regions, such as Beijing and the Pearl River Delta, requiring significant reductions in PM2.5 levels. To achieve these targets, Beijing closed its coal-fired power stations and banned coal burning for heat in surrounding areas.
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
China's NDC sets ambitious goals to peak CO2 emissions by 2030 and increase the use of non-fossil fuel energy carriers to 20% of the total primary energy supply. This commitment involves constraining coal consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)
China implemented an intensity-based carbon trading scheme in 2021, creating a market where carbon emitters can buy and sell emission credits. This scheme provides incentives for emitters to reduce emissions, including those from coal consumption, while allowing economic freedom.
Reduction Targets for Key Regions
China has set specific targets to reduce coal consumption in key regions, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and the Yangtze River Delta. These targets involve decreasing coal use and promoting alternative energy sources, such as natural gas.
Promotion of Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy
China is promoting the use of electric vehicles and expanding the infrastructure for fast-charging stations. Additionally, the country is focusing on developing new and clean energy sources, including increasing natural gas production and investing in renewable energy projects.
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Increasing electric vehicle use
China has implemented various measures to reduce pollution, including the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial strategy in China's efforts to reduce pollution and combat climate change. China has aggressively incentivized the use of EVs, and this has resulted in super-fast growth in EV sales over the past decade. In 2023, China accounted for 63.5% of the world's new energy vehicle sales, with 9.5 million new energy vehicles sold, mostly EVs. This high penetration rate is due to China's large production capacity and cost-effectiveness, serving its vast consumer base.
The benefits of EVs are significant. According to the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), EVs have a 37.8% lower life-cycle carbon footprint compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This is because EVs reduce reliance on gasoline vehicles and effectively mitigate air pollution. Studies have shown that increased EV usage leads to a notable reduction in PM2.5 and O3 concentrations, improving air quality.
However, it's important to note that the benefits of EVs depend on the power generation source. While electrifying heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) improves air quality in terms of NO2 and PM2.5, it may not reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without emission-free electricity generation. On the other hand, electrifying light-duty vehicles (LDVs) consistently reduces GHG emissions but has less impact on air quality improvements.
To maximize the benefits of EVs, China needs to ensure a sufficient supply of clean electricity. Additionally, the automobile industry is actively managing the carbon emissions associated with the entire vehicle life cycle, including those from upstream suppliers. Furthermore, EVs can play a role beyond transportation by integrating with the power grid for energy storage and load-shifting in a renewable-rich power system.
China's growing EV market and its commitment to increasing EV adoption contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change and the transition away from fossil fuels.
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Afforestation and reforestation programs
China has undertaken ambitious reforestation initiatives, dramatically increasing forest cover in the last decade. The country has spearheaded the largest reforestation effort globally, with forest expansion in China from 2001 to 2021 leading the world, despite a 7.4% decrease in global tree cover during this period.
One of China's most notable reforestation programs is the Great Green Wall, officially known as the Three-North Shelter Forest Program or the Three-North Shelterbelt Program. Initiated in 1978 and slated to continue until 2050, the project aims to plant nearly 90 million acres of new forest in a band stretching 2,800 miles across northern China. The program spans 13 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities, totaling 4.069 million square kilometres. It is designed to hold back the expansion of the Gobi Desert, enhance environmental conditions, and augment forestation in China's arid and semi-arid northern regions. The project offers subsidies to farmers and local communities to compensate for lost income from logging.
Another key initiative is the Natural Forest Protection Project, which aims to preserve natural forests and prevent commercial logging, deforestation, and habitat loss. Other notable programs include the Grain for Green Program, the South China Slopes Land Conversion Program, and the Ant-Forest Program.
While China's afforestation and reforestation efforts have contributed significantly to global greening, some scientists have questioned their effectiveness and long-term success. Concerns have been raised about the use of monoculture plantations, which can reduce biodiversity and make forests more susceptible to disease. Additionally, some research suggests that native ecosystems may recover more effectively if further abuse is prevented, rather than relying solely on tree-planting campaigns.
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Frequently asked questions
China's pollution mainly comes from factory smokestacks.
China has implemented various air pollution action plans since 2013, which have significantly reduced pollution levels and associated health risks. These plans include targets for reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides, as well as PM2.5 levels. China is also promoting the use of electric vehicles and increasing freight cargo transport by rail and water to reduce road transport pollution.
China has not implemented any specific measures to reduce water pollution. However, its efforts to reduce air pollution may indirectly improve water quality.
China has made significant progress in reducing pollution and improving air quality, especially in its major cities. The country has achieved in 7 years what took several decades and recessions for the United States and Europe to accomplish. However, there are reports that China's efforts to reduce pollution in its major cities have resulted in increased pollution in nearby areas.
