Meghan Hodges
China has long struggled with pollution, which has had a devastating impact on the health of its citizens. In 2013, a study found that toxic air in the north of the country led to increased rates of stroke, heart disease, and cancer, reducing life expectancy by 5.5 years. While China has made some improvements in environmental protection in recent years, it ranked as the 11th dirtiest country in the world in 2019. The most polluted cities in China are concentrated in the Hebei province, with Shijiazhuang, Handan, and Linfen among the worst affected. However, there are some cities in China that have lower levels of pollution. So, which city in China has the least pollution?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City with the least pollution | Linzhi, Tibet |
| US AQI figure in 2020 | 50 |
| Average annual figure in 2019 | 27 |
| PM2.5 concentrations | 15 µg/m³ |
| PM 10 figure | 20 µg/m³ |
| Ground-level ozone (O3) | 73 µg/m³ |
| Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) | 7 µg/m³ |
| Sulphur dioxide (SO2) | 6 µg/m³ |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | 600 µg/m³ |
| China's rank in the world's most polluted countries | 11th in 2019 |
| US AQI figure for China in 2019 | 110 |
| City with the highest pollution in 2019 | Lanzhou |
| City with the highest pollution in 2011 | Beijing |
| Province with the most polluted cities | Hebei |
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What You'll Learn
China's cleanest city
China has long struggled with pollution, with the country ranking as the 11th dirtiest in the world in 2019. The country's rapid economic growth has come at a cost, with industrial pollution causing cancer to become the leading cause of death in China, according to the Chinese Ministry of Health. Air pollution alone kills hundreds of thousands of citizens each year, and a further 60,000 die from poor water quality.
However, China has been making efforts to combat pollution. In 2013, the government pledged over $277 billion to the Academy for Environmental Planning to improve the country's environmental situation. This has proven effective, with recorded levels of PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide dropping by 42% and 68% respectively between 2013 and 2018.
China's least polluted cities tend to be in the south, with Tibet, in particular, the city of Linzhi, having the cleanest air in the country. In December 2020, Linzhi recorded a US AQI figure of 50, and it was voted China's cleanest city in 2019 with an average annual figure of 27. Other cities with relatively low pollution include Sanya, Guiyang, and Kunming.
While China still has a long way to go in addressing its pollution problem, the government's efforts and improvements in some cities are a step in the right direction.
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Impact of pollution on health
China's rapid economic development has come at the cost of environmental degradation, with various forms of pollution causing widespread environmental and health problems. Air pollution in China is primarily caused by a combination of coal-combustion and motor-vehicle emissions, with industrial emissions and fossil fuel reliance also playing a significant role. The health effects of air pollution have been widely studied, and the results indicate severe consequences for society.
One of the most prominent impacts of pollution on health in China is the increased incidence of respiratory issues. High levels of air pollution have been linked to respiratory symptoms, hospitalization, and premature mortality. A 2013 study found that severe pollution during the 1990s reduced the average life expectancy of people in northern China by 5.5 years, with toxic air leading to higher rates of stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The Chinese Ministry of Health has identified industrial pollution as the leading cause of cancer in the country.
In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution also poses significant health risks. Poor-quality indoor air contributes to the deaths of approximately 300,000 people annually in China. This is often due to the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, as well as inadequate ventilation. The burning of coal and biomass fuels releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Water pollution is another critical concern in China, with industrial discharges contaminating waterways and rendering them unfit for human use. Approximately 500 million people in China lack access to safe and clean drinking water. Waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, bladder and stomach cancer, are prevalent, causing additional premature deaths each year. Soil pollution is also a significant issue, with heavy metal contamination affecting food grain and posing risks to food safety and sustainable agriculture.
The Chinese government has recognized the urgency of addressing pollution and its health impacts. In 2012, cities began adopting the Environmental Air Quality Standards, leading to significant reductions in PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide levels between 2013 and 2018. In 2013, the Academy for Environmental Planning pledged over $277 billion to combat pollution, and China issued its first National Environment and Health Action Plan (2007-2015), aiming to establish nationwide surveillance networks and improve information sharing between government agencies. While progress has been made, continued environmental reforms and sustainable development practices are necessary to mitigate the adverse health effects of pollution in China.
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Government initiatives to reduce pollution
China has been making efforts to reduce pollution, with the Chinese government investing heavily to combat the issue. In 2013, over $277 billion was pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning, and cities began adopting Environmental Air Quality Standards, leading to significant reductions in PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels between 2013 and 2018.
The Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control in Jing-Jin-Ji Program, supported by the World Bank, has played a crucial role in reducing air pollution. This program focused on improving energy efficiency, expanding clean energy, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2.5 million tons per year. Beijing, in particular, has implemented various initiatives, including Low Emission Zones (LEZs) that restrict access for polluting vehicles, driving the adoption of cleaner transportation options. The city has also introduced license plate lotteries, driving bans, and incentives for scrapping older vehicles.
To address industrial emissions, China has explored technologies such as electrostatic precipitators, desulphurisation, and selective catalytic reduction. These measures aim to reduce the emission of harmful substances like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, China is transitioning towards cleaner energy sources, reducing coal consumption, and increasing the supply of renewable energy.
China has also taken steps to tackle waste pollution, banning the importation of electronic waste and implementing proper disposal regulations. Despite these efforts, electronic waste remains a challenge, with domestic waste production and illegal importation contributing to the issue.
While China has made progress in reducing pollution, it still faces challenges. The country's fuel mix in 2022 consisted of 61% coal and 17.9% oil, resulting in the release of harmful substances. With 360 million vehicles on the road and a large population, China must continue to implement stringent measures to achieve its goal of eliminating severe air pollution by the end of 2025.
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Pollution in Beijing
Beijing, China's capital city, has a population of over 20 million people. It is one of the most populous cities in China, and its GDP has increased tenfold in the last 20 years. This rapid economic development has put Beijing's air quality under great pressure. The city has historically had a high level of coal consumption, particularly during the winter months for heating, which has resulted in extremely poor air quality.
Beijing's air quality has improved in recent years, with a notable decrease in coal consumption. The city has shut down industrial sites and improved heating systems, leading to a reduction in coal usage. Beijing has also restricted the growth of private vehicles with measures such as the license-plate lottery system and limitations on large trucks entering certain areas. These efforts have been recognised by the UN as a successful model for other cities. However, some critics argue that Beijing's improvements come at the expense of surrounding provinces, as many factories have been relocated.
Despite these advancements, Beijing still faces environmental challenges, particularly with water pollution. Additionally, the city's air quality remains a concern, with residents experiencing "Moderate" levels of pollution for only two months in 2019. The remaining ten months were classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive groups" according to the World Health Organisation's recommended levels. The high levels of air pollution in Beijing are driven by industrial emissions, fossil fuel reliance, and unfavourable weather conditions.
To address the issue of air pollution, an international team of researchers led by environmental scientist Kaspar Dällenbach collaborated with Beijing University of Chemical Technology and the University of Helsinki. They utilised a new type of mass spectrometer to analyse the molecular composition of ambient aerosols in real time. This technology can distinguish between primary and secondary aerosols, with the latter being particularly important in Beijing. The research revealed that the sources of particulate matter extend beyond the capital city and vary chemically and geographically between summer and winter.
The Chinese government has been investing heavily to combat pollution, pledging over $277 billion in 2013. Cities have also been adopting the Environmental Air Quality Standards since 2012, resulting in significant reductions in PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide levels between 2013 and 2018. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution, which has been identified as the leading cause of death in China.
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The most polluted cities in China
China has consistently ranked among the countries with the most polluted cities in the world. In 2019, China was the 11th dirtiest country in the world, with a US AQI of 110. The concentration level of the PM2.5 pollutant was three times above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended levels. Beijing, the capital of China, has been at the forefront of the country's battle with air pollution.
In 2019, Beijing experienced the lowest PM2.5 on record—a low of 23 micrograms per cubic meter. Beijing is on track to drop out of the top 200 most polluted cities by the end of 2019, largely due to millions of homes and businesses switching from coal to natural gas, afforestation measures, and China being the world's largest producer of electric cars. However, in 2012, Beijing recorded a PM2.5 level of nearly 1,000 μg per cubic meter, and in 2016, its yearly average was 73 μg/m3.
Other cities with high levels of air pollution include those in Henan Province, such as Anyang, Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Handan, and Linfen. This is due to the region's dense population, heavy industrial activity, and frequent coal use. Cities in Xinjiang, such as Hotan and Kashgar, also rank high in pollution due to natural dust storms and poor air dispersion in arid zones. Tianjin, a city that has successfully disposed of 38,000 tons of electronic waste, nevertheless ranks among the cities with the highest levels of particulate matter. Chongqing and Shenyang are two other Chinese cities with high levels of particulate matter.
The Chinese government has been investing heavily to combat pollution, with the Academy for Environmental Planning pledging over $277 billion in 2013. The country has also been increasing its forest cover and implementing stricter regulations, such as the 2012 Environmental Air Quality Standards, which have led to significant reductions in PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide levels. Despite these efforts, indoor pollution contributes to the deaths of 300,000 people annually, and 500 million people in China lack access to safe and clean drinking water.
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Frequently asked questions
According to IQAir.com, Tibet is the least polluted area in China. The city of Linzhi recorded a US AQI figure of 50 in December 2020.
Southern coastal cities in China tend to have less pollution due to less heavy industry, more wind, and less winter, which condenses pollution.
The Chinese government has been investing heavily to combat pollution. In 2013, over $277 billion was pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning. Since 2012, cities have been adopting the Environmental Air Quality Standards, which has helped reduce levels of PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
Beijing has drawn international criticism for its highly publicized levels of pollution. In 2011, it was ranked the fifth most polluted city in China. However, it has dropped out of the top 20 as of 2017. Other highly polluted cities include Anyang, Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Handan, and Linfen.
