Helena Joyce
China's rapid development over the past few decades has resulted in excessive emissions of greenhouse gases, making air pollution a significant public health issue. In 2019, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country globally, and its particulate pollution levels remain a pressing concern. While China's national standard for particulate pollution is 35 µg/m³, the country's average levels exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. This disparity in standards has serious health implications, with particulate pollution reducing the average Chinese resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years compared to meeting WHO guidelines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.4 billion |
| Land Area | 9.6 million square kilometres |
| Global Rank in 2019 | 11th dirtiest country |
| PM2.5 Pollutant Concentration in 2019 | 3 times the World Health Organisation's recommended level |
| Air Pollution in Beijing in 2019 | "Moderate" for 2 months, "Unhealthy for Sensitive groups" for 10 months |
| Cleanest City in China in 2019 | LInzhi, Tibet |
| Dirtiest City in China in 2019 | Hotan, Xinjiang |
| Air Pollution Causes | Economic growth, increase in motor vehicles, population growth, manufacturing outputs, topography, weather, industrial emissions, fossil fuel reliance |
| Soil Pollution | 38,610 square miles of cultivated land polluted |
| Water Pollution | Serious contamination of waterways by industrial discharges |
| Plastic Pollution | Ban on free plastic bags in supermarkets and shops since 2008 |
| E-Waste | Legislation banning importation of electronic waste, but improper handling still occurs |
| Progress in Reducing Pollution | Significant; 79% of days in 338 cities had good air quality in 2018, 40% reduction in harmful particulates from 2013 to 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
China's pollution ranking
In 2019, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country globally, with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) figure of 110. Beijing, the capital, experienced moderate pollution levels for only two months in 2019, with the remaining months classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The PM2.5 pollutant concentration in China was three times the recommended levels by the WHO, and Beijing's air quality is 40% higher than the most polluted county in the United States.
China's rapid industrialization, economic growth, and population expansion have significantly contributed to its pollution challenges. The increase in manufacturing outputs and motorised vehicles has led to excessive emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants like PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The combustion of coal, fossil fuel use in vehicles, and biomass combustion are primary sources of particulate matter.
Agricultural practices also play a role, with Chinese farms generating more pollution than factories. Soil pollution is a pressing issue, impacting one-tenth of China's cultivable land. Water pollution is equally concerning, with industrial discharges contaminating waterways and rendering them unfit for human use.
Despite these challenges, China has made notable progress in reducing pollution in recent years. Since declaring a ""war against pollution" in 2014, China has witnessed a 41% decline in fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) by 2022 compared to 2013 levels. From 2013 to 2020, the overall pollution in China decreased by 10%, and the amount of harmful particulates in the air fell by 40%. These improvements are expected to increase life expectancy if sustained.
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Pollution's impact on health
China's pollution problem is a well-known issue, and while it is difficult to give a precise rank, it is clear that China is one of the most polluted countries in the world. The country's rapid industrialization and population growth have had a significant impact on the environment and public health. Air pollution is a major concern, with Chinese cities exceeding national standards for air quality. In addition to this, water pollution, soil pollution, and electronic waste are also causing widespread environmental and health issues.
The health consequences of pollution in China are severe and wide-ranging. Air pollution, in particular, has been the focus of many studies examining its impact on human health. One study found that air pollution has a significant adverse impact on public health, especially in Central and Western China. The study found that high air pollution levels in the autumn and winter months were associated with negative health outcomes.
Another study used the Huai River Policy to examine the health consequences of sustained exposure to air pollution. It found that space-heating policies had a dramatic impact on pollution levels and human health. The World Bank also stated that industrial air pollution has caused "hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and incidents of serious respiratory illness."
The Chinese Ministry of Health has identified industrial pollution as the leading cause of cancer in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), China's particulate pollution shortens an average resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years compared to the recommended guideline. In Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, the average person is expected to lose 4.3 years of their life due to pollution. If pollution levels continue to decrease, however, the average Chinese citizen could gain up to 2 years of life expectancy.
In addition to air pollution, soil pollution is also a significant issue in China. The State Environmental Protection Administration believes that soil pollution threatens the environment, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. Heavy metal pollution in the soil has contaminated an estimated 6 million tonnes of food grain each year, causing direct economic losses.
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Efforts to reduce pollution
China has made significant progress in reducing pollution, particularly air pollution, over the past decade. In 2014, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war against pollution", allocating substantial public resources to combat it. This has resulted in a notable decrease in pollution levels and associated health risks.
China's rapid development over the past few decades has resulted in excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. This has caused widespread environmental and health issues, with air pollution emerging as a major public health crisis. The economic progress has come at a cost, with approximately 1.1 million people dying annually due to air pollution. Additionally, the economy suffers an annual loss of $37 billion due to pollution-induced crop failure.
To address these issues, China has implemented various measures. Large cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou have restricted the number of cars on the road and introduced all-electric bus fleets. The country has also reduced its iron and steel-making capacity and shut down coal mines, prohibiting new coal-fired power plants and closing several old plants in highly polluted regions.
China has also focused on reforestation and afforestation programs, investing over $100 billion in initiatives like the Great Green Wall, planting more than 35 billion trees across 12 provinces. The Air Pollution Action Plan, released in September 2013, was a pivotal environmental policy that contributed significantly to improving air quality between 2013 and 2017.
Furthermore, China banned the importation of electronic waste and implemented legislation requiring the proper disposal of domestic waste. While this legislation has faced criticism for being insufficient and susceptible to fraud, there have been local successes, such as in Tianjin, where 38,000 tons of electronic waste were properly disposed of in 2010.
In addition to these measures, China also banned supermarkets, department stores, and shops from providing free plastic bags in 2008, encouraging the use of cloth bags instead. This ban has had a positive impact, with a 10% reduction in plastic bags found in the garbage the following year.
While China has made remarkable progress in reducing pollution, challenges remain. Beijing, for instance, is still three times more polluted than Los Angeles, the most polluted major city in the United States. Nevertheless, China's efforts have had a tangible impact, with the average Chinese citizen gaining approximately two years of life expectancy compared to 2013, provided these reductions in pollution are sustained.
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The role of industrialisation
As of 2023, China ranks 12th in the world for air pollution, according to the World Air Quality Report 2022 by IQAir. While this may seem like a relatively low ranking, it is important to note that China has historically struggled with severe air pollution, and its vast industrial landscape has been a major contributor to this issue.
The role of industrialization in China's pollution problem is significant. China has experienced rapid industrialization over the past few decades, and this has had a profound impact on the environment. Industrialization has led to a massive increase in the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, which releases a host of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants include carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, all of which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
China's heavy industries, such as steel, cement, and chemical production, are major contributors to air pollution. These industries often use outdated and inefficient technologies, which result in higher emissions of harmful pollutants. In addition, China's reliance on coal as a primary energy source is a key factor in its air quality issues. Coal is a highly polluting fuel, and when burned, it releases a multitude of harmful substances, including mercury, arsenic, and lead. The use of coal is prevalent not only in industrial settings but also in domestic heating and cooking, further exacerbating the problem.
The country's rapid industrialization has also led to a surge in vehicle ownership, particularly in urban areas. This has contributed significantly to air pollution levels, with vehicles emitting a range of harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. In addition, the expansion of industrial activities has often come at the cost of environmental regulations and oversight. To attract businesses and maintain economic growth, local governments have sometimes relaxed environmental protections, allowing factories to operate with fewer restrictions and inadequate pollution control measures.
However, it is important to recognize that China has also taken significant steps to address its pollution issues. In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented a range of policies and measures to improve air quality, including stricter emissions standards, the promotion of renewable energy sources, and the retirement of outdated industrial capacities. Massive investments have been made in renewable energy sources, with China leading the world in wind and solar capacity installations. Efforts have also been made to improve energy efficiency, promote electric vehicles, and incentivize the use of cleaner, more efficient technologies in industrial processes. These initiatives demonstrate China's commitment to tackling pollution and improving the environment for its citizens.
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Pollution by province/city
China's pollution problem is a major public health issue and an acute political challenge. The country's rapid development over the past three decades has resulted in excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. This has led to various forms of pollution, causing widespread environmental and health issues. China is currently the 13th most polluted country in the world.
The most polluted areas in China are heavily concentrated in the Henan Province, with cities in this region ranking high in pollution due to their dense population, heavy industrial activity, and frequent coal use. Other highly polluted cities include Hotan and Kashgar in Xinjiang, where pollution levels are likely elevated by natural dust storms and poor air dispersion in arid zones. These cities are mostly located in central and western China, far from the cleaner, more humid southern regions.
Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province is China's most polluted prefecture, with the average person expected to lose 4.3 years of life expectancy compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. Beijing, China's capital, also has particulate pollution levels 40% higher than the most polluted county in the United States.
Progress in Reducing Pollution
China has made significant progress in reducing pollution in recent years, particularly since declaring a ""war against pollution" in 2014. From 2013 to 2020, the amount of harmful particulates in the air fell by 40%, and average PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 33% from 2013 to 2017 in 74 cities. By 2018, 338 prefecture-level cities enjoyed good air quality on 79% of days.
However, China's pollution levels still exceed the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³, resulting in a reduced life expectancy for the average resident. The country continues to face challenges, particularly from the agricultural sector, which generates more pollution than factories, and the improper handling of electronic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2019, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country in the world. However, cities in China have consistently ranked among the most polluted in the world.
The causes of China's widespread air pollution can be attributed to a number of factors: the enormous economic boom, a large increase in the number of motorised vehicles, population growth, increase in manufacturing outputs, and natural reasons.
The Chinese government has made significant progress in reducing air pollution. In 2014, the country announced a "'war against pollution'", and by 2022, pollution levels were down by 41% compared to 2013.
