Brian Barton
China is the world's largest developing country, with a huge population and rapid economic growth. As a result, it has historically struggled with high levels of pollution, particularly in its mega-cities. While air quality has improved in recent years, pollution remains a serious issue, with 99.9% of China's population living in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. One of the most polluted cities in China is Xi'an, which recorded the highest average AQI score during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. Other highly polluted cities include Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shenyang, as well as Hotan and Kashgar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities with the highest levels of particulate matter in 2004 | Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shenyang |
| Cause of high secondary aerosol contribution to particulate pollution | Atmospheric oxidation and reactions of gaseous organic compounds |
| Health effects of high secondary aerosol | Asthma, bronchitis, acute and chronic respiratory symptoms, premature death |
| Light pollution regions in the 1990s | Larger urban cities in eastern and coastal areas |
| Pediatric health problem due to light pollution | Lead poisoning |
| Number of people dying prematurely each year due to air and water pollution (as of 2007) | 760,000 |
| Number of premature deaths due to high levels of air pollution in cities | 350,000–400,000 |
| Number of premature deaths due to poor-quality indoor air | 300,000 |
| Number of premature deaths due to poor water quality | 60,000 |
| Province with the most polluted cities | Henan Province |
| Cities with high pollution levels in Xinjiang | Hotan and Kashgar |
| Major contributors to high PM2.5 levels | Industrial emissions, fossil fuel reliance, and unfavorable weather conditions |
| Average AQI scores for the 10 cities during the COVID-19 outbreak | 44.8 μg m−3 (Shenzhen) to 119.7 μg m−3 (Xi’an) |
| City with the highest daily AQI score during the COVID-19 outbreak | Harbin (327 μg m−3) |
| Percentage decrease in pollution levels in 2022 compared to 2013 | 41% |
| Percentage of the population living in areas exceeding the national standard of 35 μg/m³ | 30.9% |
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What You'll Learn
Henan Province cities are among the most polluted
China is the largest developing country in the world, with a huge population and active economic growth. As such, it is considered one of the most polluted countries globally, with up to 760,000 premature deaths annually attributed to air and water pollution.
The most polluted cities in China are heavily concentrated in Henan Province, which is home to around 95 million people. Henan's poor air quality is influenced by several factors, including its dense population, heavy industrial activity, and frequent coal use. The cities of Luoyang, Anyang, and Shangqiu, all in Henan, have been identified as some of the most polluted in China. For example, in February 2024, Shangqiu's seven-day average concentration of PM2.5 reached 180 ug/m3, far exceeding national and World Health Organization standards.
Henan's air pollution is driven by industrial emissions, fossil fuel reliance, and unfavourable weather conditions. The small particulate matter known as PM2.5, which is prevalent in Henan, is considered particularly dangerous due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. These fine particles contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues and can lead to serious health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease.
While some sources indicate that air quality in Chinese cities has improved over the last decade, Henan Province continues to struggle with high levels of pollution, especially during autumn and winter. The province's distance from Beijing may contribute to less stringent air pollution controls, and its heavy industrial activity makes it challenging to find cleaner sources of economic growth.
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Pollution causes premature deaths
China is the world's largest developing country, with rapid industrialization and urbanization, resulting in intense air pollution. This has led to serious social, economic, and political problems, with air pollution contributing to millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019. Household air pollution from burning solid fuels resulted in 363,000 additional deaths that year.
A 2007 World Bank report, conducted with China's national environmental agency, estimated that outdoor air pollution caused 350,000 to 400,000 premature deaths annually. Indoor air pollution contributed to 300,000 additional deaths, and 60,000 people died from diseases caused by water-borne pollution. A combined World Bank and SEPA report draft from the same year stated that up to 760,000 people die prematurely each year in China due to air and water pollution.
The immense urban growth of Chinese cities has substantially increased the demand for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, resulting in the burning of fossil fuels and the formation of smog. Fine particles in the air, or secondary aerosols, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and lead to premature death. A study from 2012 confirmed that these particles were one of the key pollutants responsible for a large fraction of damage to the health of Chinese citizens.
The Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning estimated in 2003 that 300,000 people die annually from ambient air pollution, mostly from heart disease and lung cancer. In 2005, Chinese environmental experts projected that premature deaths attributable to outdoor air pollution would reach 380,000 in 2010 and 550,000 in 2020.
While China has made improvements in environmental protection in recent years, air and water pollution remain significant issues. The country's major cities, particularly the wealthier ones, have seen a reduction in pollution as industries have moved to more rural areas. However, these rural areas and lower-tier cities continue to experience high levels of air pollution, with frequent AQI readings above 100.
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Water pollution is a serious issue
China's economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization have resulted in widespread water pollution. Water pollution is a serious issue, with half of China's population unable to access safe drinking water and approximately 700 million people consuming water contaminated with animal and human waste. The contamination of water sources by industrial waste and agricultural runoff has led to severe water shortages and pollution, with groundwater in 90% of China's cities being tainted.
The impact of water pollution on human health is significant. According to reports, up to 760,000 people die prematurely each year in China due to air and water pollution, with 60,000 of those deaths attributed to poor water quality. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and increased rates of cancer are linked to water pollution, posing a serious risk to public health.
The coastal manufacturing belt in China is particularly affected by water pollution. Despite efforts to close polluting sources, a significant portion of waterways remain below the required standards for water quality. Multinational companies and their suppliers have been implicated in contributing to water pollution, often ignoring environmental practices in the pursuit of cheap goods.
Furthermore, rural areas in China lack adequate wastewater treatment systems, exacerbating the problem. Villages located near industrial complexes are forced to rely on contaminated water sources for their daily needs, exposing them to harmful pollutants.
Addressing water pollution in China is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences for future generations. While organizations like Greenpeace's Detox campaign are working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from water sources, continued efforts and stricter environmental regulations are necessary to combat this pressing issue.
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Light pollution impacts wildlife
China is the largest developing country in the world, with rapid urbanization and economic growth. While there has been a general improvement in air quality in recent years, China's cities still struggle with high levels of pollution. One of the most polluted cities in China is located in Henan Province, influenced by its dense population, heavy industrial activity, and frequent coal use. Other highly polluted cities include Hotan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, which experience natural dust storms and poor air dispersion. These cities, situated in central and western China, exhibit higher pollution levels compared to the more humid southern regions.
Now, let's discuss the impacts of light pollution on wildlife:
Attraction and Trapping
Artificial lights can attract certain organisms, such as moths, frogs, and sea turtles, drawing them away from their natural habitats and concentrating them in illuminated areas. This makes them more vulnerable to predators or exhaustion, ultimately leading to their demise. Insects, in particular, are drawn to lights, and even a single artificial light source can disrupt their flight activity and migration patterns.
Disruption of Nocturnal Activities
Light pollution significantly alters the nighttime environment, disrupting the natural cycle of day and night that is crucial for wildlife. Nocturnal animals, such as frogs and toads, rely on darkness for breeding and nocturnal activities. Artificial lights can interfere with their breeding rituals, impacting their reproduction and population sizes.
Habitat Loss
Light pollution can effectively act as a form of habitat loss. Some organisms are repelled by artificial lights, excluding them from areas where they could otherwise thrive. This disruption can alter their day-night patterns, affecting sleep and the downtime their bodies need for repair.
Impact on Migration
Light pollution can disorient migratory birds, leading them to collide with buildings. Juvenile salmon, for instance, are drawn to illuminated patches of water, making them easy prey for predators.
Altered Behavior and Reproduction
Artificial lights can influence the behavior and reproduction of various species. For example, lights can alter the nest-hiding behavior of birds and the calling of frogs, impacting their breeding success.
Overall, light pollution has far-reaching consequences for wildlife, affecting their behavior, reproduction, and survival. It disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems and can have cascading effects on food webs and biodiversity.
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Air pollution is decreasing
China, the largest developing country in the world, has been facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis. The immense urban growth of Chinese cities has substantially increased the need for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, which has resulted in smog. A 2012 study showed that fine particles in the air, which cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, were one of the key pollutants that accounted for a large fraction of damage to the health of Chinese citizens.
However, there is evidence that air pollution in China is decreasing. A University of Chicago study attributes the decline in global pollution levels to China's success in steeply reducing pollution. China now boasts the fastest air quality improvement worldwide. This success is evident in the anti-pollution campaign launched in 2013, which focused on controlling PM2.5, deemed the most harmful particulate matter. Thanks to this campaign, the average PM2.5 concentration dropped by 50%, from 72 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) in 2013 to 36 μg/m³ in 2019.
Despite this progress, it is important to recognize that air pollution remains a significant issue in China. Cities in Henan Province, such as Hotan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, continue to rank among the most polluted due to heavy industrial activity, frequent coal use, and natural dust storms. Additionally, while China had successfully reduced coal's share in its energy mix before the pandemic, there is a growing concern about increasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, while some major cities have seen improvements, pollution has worsened in other areas. A 2007 World Bank report, conducted with China's national environmental agency, estimated that outdoor air pollution caused 350,000 to 400,000 premature deaths annually, with indoor pollution contributing to an additional 300,000 deaths. The Chinese government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and aims to effectively eliminate severe air pollution by the end of 2025, focusing on pollution control and emissions reduction.
While China continues to battle air pollution, the improvements made over the last decade are noteworthy. The country is committed to improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cities that are frequently mentioned as being among the most polluted in China. These include Tianjin, Chongqing, Shenyang, Hotan, Kashgar, and Wuhan.
The primary causes of pollution in Chinese cities are major industrial activities, continuous construction and infrastructure development, high traffic volume, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Air pollution in China has severe health consequences for its citizens. The fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5, cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues and can lead to asthma, bronchitis, and acute and chronic respiratory symptoms. According to various reports, air pollution contributes to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually in China.
