Bronte Wells
Shanghai, China, has been notorious for its poor air quality, which has been worsening in recent years. The city's air pollution is composed of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The main sources of these pollutants are industrial activities, automobile emissions, ship emissions, and coal-fired power plants. To combat this issue, the Shanghai municipal government has implemented several measures, including releasing a contingency plan to address hazardous air pollution, introducing strict air pollution laws, and improving air quality forecasting. The local authorities have also taken steps to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants and promote cleaner energy sources. These efforts have shown positive results, with a significant reduction in the average annual density of PM2.5 in 2016 compared to previous years. However, more improvement is needed, and the city continues to face challenges in reducing air pollution, especially with the increasing levels of PM2.5 and ground-level ozone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shanghai's air pollution problem | Shanghai's air pollution is worse than Beijing's, with higher levels of PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide |
| Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan | 2013-2017 |
| Shanghai Air Pollution Law | 2014 |
| Real-time AQI readings | Introduced in March 2014 |
| New goal for reducing Shanghai PM2.5 | 42 micrograms per cubic meter by 2020 |
| Fireworks banned | Within the Shanghai Outer Ring Road |
| Ground-level ozone | Another serious pollutant that can damage lungs |
| Ship emissions | Account for 8-10% of Shanghai's PM2.5 pollutants |
| Fine for illegal burning | RMB 200 |
| Personal penalties for company bosses | RMB 100,000 |
| Maximum fines for companies | RMB 500,000 |
| Action when the air quality index exceeds 300 | Shanghai government plans to boost output of natural gas power plants |
| Action when the pollution index hits 300 in Beijing | The government checks to ensure that all coal-fired power plants are using mandatory pollution-reduction devices |
| Action when the pollution index hits 500 in Beijing | Some building activities, such as excavations and demolitions, are suspended |
| Action when the pollution index hits 300 in Shanghai | Nearly all building projects will be forced to temporarily cease operations |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai's air pollution is worse than Beijing's
Shanghai's air pollution is now worse than Beijing's. For the first time, Beijing's levels of fine particulate matter have dropped below the national average, while economic hubs such as Shanghai continue to record levels of PM2.5 exceeding those in Beijing.
Shanghai's PM2.5 pollution levels are worse than Beijing's, although Shanghai has higher rates of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Lauri Myllyvirta, CREA's lead analyst, stated that "Shanghai's pollution is now almost as bad as Beijing's, as Beijing has improved a lot faster."
Shanghai's air pollution is caused by various factors, including ship emissions, which account for 8-10% of PM2.5 pollutants, and ground-level ozone, which is a problem, especially during the summer months. To combat air pollution, Shanghai implemented the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan 2013-2017 and the Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014, which included measures such as real-time AQI readings and stricter fines for companies contributing to air pollution.
In addition to these efforts, Shanghai has also been working towards reducing the sulphur content in fuel oil used by vessels berthing at major docks and improving its air quality forecasting system. Despite these measures, Shanghai's air pollution levels remain a concern, with the city experiencing heavy smog and an increase in lower respiratory infections.
The Chinese government has also implemented a winter action plan to improve air quality in the Beijing region, including more coal heating bans and stricter industrial emission standards. However, industrial emissions standards in other parts of the country, including Shanghai, have yet to be amended. As a result, Shanghai's air pollution levels have continued to worsen, surpassing those of Beijing.
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Shanghai's anti-pollution measures
Shanghai has implemented various measures to tackle its air pollution problem, which has been a significant issue for the city in recent years.
In 2013, the Shanghai municipal government released a contingency plan to address hazardous air pollution, which included tougher measures than those in Beijing. According to the plan, when the air quality index exceeds 300, the government intends to issue a public alert and take comprehensive emergency action, including boosting the output of natural gas power plants and reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants. Nearly all building projects will also be forced to temporarily cease operations.
In March 2014, the Shanghai Environment Monitoring Center began to release real-time AQI readings, in addition to the standard average 24-hour readings. This provides a better indication of when it is safe for residents to go outside and when a pollution mask is necessary.
Shanghai has also introduced strict air pollution laws, with personal penalties for company bosses of up to RMB 100,000, and maximum fines for companies rising to RMB 500,000.
To reduce ship emissions, which account for 8-10% of Shanghai's PM2.5 pollutants, vessels at major docks are required to use fuel oil with a lower sulfur content. This is expected to reduce PM2.5 pollutants by 10% and sulfur oxide by 18%.
Additionally, authorities have banned fireworks within the Shanghai Outer Ring Road, with strict enforcement during the 2016 Chinese New Year celebrations.
Shanghai has also set targets to improve air quality, with a goal in 2016 to reduce the yearly average of PM2.5 to 42 micrograms per cubic meter by 2020, a 15% reduction from the 2017 target.
Overall, Shanghai's anti-pollution measures include a combination of public alerts, stricter laws and fines, fuel regulations, and targeted reductions in specific pollutants. These efforts aim to improve the city's air quality and reduce the health risks associated with air pollution.
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Shanghai's Clean Air Action Plan 2013-2017
- Reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution: This is a major concern in Shanghai, and the plan aimed to reduce its concentration. By 2016, Shanghai set a goal to reduce the yearly average of PM2.5 to 49.6 micrograms per cubic meter, and further to 42 micrograms per cubic meter by 2020.
- Controlling vehicle emissions: Shanghai implemented measures to control the number of vehicles on the road, including restricting the issuance of new license plates. This helped reduce traffic congestion and lower vehicle emissions.
- Improving fuel quality: The plan aimed to supply National Stage IV gasoline and diesel by the end of 2014 and introduce National Stage V gasoline and diesel in key cities by the end of 2015, with a nationwide rollout by the end of 2017.
- Reducing ship emissions: Ships were instructed to use fuel oil with lower sulfur content, reducing PM2.5 and sulfur oxide emissions.
- Banning fireworks: Fireworks were banned within the Shanghai Outer Ring Road to reduce air pollution.
- Real-time air quality readings: The Shanghai Environment Monitoring Center started releasing real-time AQI readings in March 2014, helping expats make informed decisions about their outdoor activities.
- Enforcing emissions standards: Shanghai suspended the production of car models that did not meet fuel economy standards, including those from foreign and state-run companies.
- Improving energy efficiency: The plan promoted the use of electricity, new energy, clean coal, and efficient energy-saving boilers in areas without gas and heating supply.
- Reducing steel production capacity: Between 2016 and 2017, Shanghai shut down a significant amount of steel production capacity, contributing to reduced air pollution.
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Shanghai's Air Pollution Law of 2014
Shanghai has implemented numerous measures to tackle air pollution, including the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan 2013-2017 and the Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014, one of the strictest air pollution laws in China. This law, which came into effect on October 1, 2014, emphasizes the importance of coordination among provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Delta region in combating air pollution.
The Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014 includes provisions for enforcing environmental rights and holding polluters accountable. For example, in October 2014, a factory was charged under this law and faced a substantial fine for illegally emitting air pollution. Additionally, the law addresses the issue of farmers illegally burning straw, which contributes to about 10% of Shanghai's air pollution, by imposing a fine, although the effectiveness of this fine as a deterrent has been questioned due to its relatively low amount.
The Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014 is part of China's broader efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution. In 2014, Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war against pollution," and the country implemented the National Air Quality Action Plan in the same year, resulting in a significant reduction in particulate pollution. China has also focused on regulating exhaust pollutants from diesel engines and small spark ignition engines of non-road mobile machinery, encouraging the development and use of clean fuels in transportation, and setting fuel consumption standards for vehicles and vessels.
Shanghai's actions against air pollution build upon previous successes, such as plant closures and traffic control measures, which were effectively employed during significant events like the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai and contributed to temporary improvements in air quality. The combination of local regulations, such as the Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014, and national initiatives, including the National Air Quality Action Plan, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing Shanghai's air pollution challenges.
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Shanghai's air pollution caused by ships
Shanghai, China, has long struggled with air pollution. A report from July 2014 listed the causes of Shanghai's air pollution, which included fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone (O3). The latter is a particular problem in Shanghai during the summer months, as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) react with sunlight to produce ozone.
Shipping emissions are also a significant contributor to Shanghai's air pollution. As the world's busiest container port, Shanghai's shipping traffic emitted about 1.3 Tg of SO2, 1.9 Tg of NOx, and 0.16 Tg of particulate matter (PM) in 2013. These emissions have severe consequences for human health, with an estimated 24,000 premature deaths per year in East Asia caused by shipping pollution, mainly from heart and lung diseases and cancer.
To tackle this issue, the Shanghai government has implemented Domestic Emission Control Areas (DECAs) in the YRD. Additionally, vessels docking at major ports, including Shanghai, will be required to use fuel oil with a lower sulfur content. This measure is expected to reduce ship emissions, which account for 8-10% of Shanghai's PM2.5 pollutants, by 10% for PM2.5 and 18% for sulfur oxide.
Shanghai has also introduced other measures to improve air quality, including the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan 2013-2017 and the Shanghai Air Pollution Law of 2014. The city government has also implemented real-time AQI readings, allowing residents to better understand when it is safe to go outside and when a pollution mask is necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Shanghai has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution, including introducing real-time AQI readings, improving air quality forecasting, lowering thresholds for the city's four-tier air pollution alarm system, and banning fireworks within the Shanghai Outer Ring Road. Shanghai also plans to boost output from natural gas power plants and purchase more electricity from other provinces to reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants.
Shanghai's air pollution is largely attributed to the production of consumer goods for export, with about a quarter of China's carbon emissions stemming from this sector. Ship emissions account for 8-10% of Shanghai's PM2.5 pollutants, and domestic consumption is also becoming a significant contributor as Chinese incomes rise.
Air pollution in Shanghai has led to an increase in lower respiratory infections, shortened lifespans, and over 4,000 new cases of asthma in children due to high levels of NO2 pollution. Ground-level ozone, particularly during the summer months, poses additional health risks, including breathing problems, triggering asthma, and reduced lung function.
Shanghai's air pollution levels have been reported to be worse than Beijing's, with higher concentrations of hazardous PM2.5 particles. However, Shanghai also registered higher rates of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
