Meghan Hodges
China is known for its poor air quality, with hundreds of thousands of citizens dying from air pollution each year. Beijing has long been considered the world's most polluted city for air toxicity, but Shanghai's air pollution is now worse. Beijing's air quality has improved in recent years, dropping below the national average in 2018, while Shanghai's levels of PM2.5 continue to rise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities with the highest levels of particulate matter in 2004 | Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shenyang |
| Beijing's air quality in August 2019 | The lowest PM2.5 on record—a low of 23 micrograms per cubic meter |
| Shanghai's air quality in 2024 | Worse than Beijing's, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the capital's |
| Beijing's air quality in 2024 | Above the national average |
| Shanghai's air pollution sources | Human-produced, from industries such as manufacturing and coal use |
| Beijing's air pollution sources | Both human-produced and natural sources, with natural sources rooted in human activities |
| Beijing's air quality in 2013 | Average AQI of over 300, with readings of up to 700 at individual recording stations |
| Shanghai's air quality in 2023 | PM2.5 levels described as "through the roof" and "very unhealthy," reaching 230 in Zhejiang |
| Beijing's air quality improvement initiatives | Met ambitious targets set in the 2013 national air pollution action plan |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai's air pollution is worse than Beijing's
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles can include harmful substances such as dust, soot, and liquid droplets, which can have negative impacts on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an acceptable PM2.5 level of 25. In comparison, Shanghai's PM2.5 levels have reached as high as 179, which is about seven times the acceptable level.
Shanghai's air pollution is primarily caused by human activity, including the burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions. The city is home to many factories, contributing to high levels of industrial pollutants in the air. Additionally, coal use for heating and electricity production peaks during the winter, further exacerbating the air pollution problem.
While Beijing also faces air pollution from human sources, it is worth noting that a portion of its pollution comes from natural sources, such as desertification. However, even with these natural sources, Beijing's air pollution levels have dropped significantly. In August 2019, Beijing experienced the lowest PM2.5 on record, with a reading of 23 micrograms per cubic meter.
The Chinese government has implemented initiatives to address air pollution, such as the 2013 national air pollution action plan, which set targets for improving air quality by 2017. These targets were met, and China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. However, Shanghai's air pollution continues to be a pressing issue, with levels exceeding those in Beijing and posing risks to the health and well-being of its residents.
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Beijing's air pollution is caused by natural sources
Shanghai and Beijing, two of China's major cities, have long struggled with air pollution. While Beijing was once considered the world's air pollution capital, recent data suggests that Shanghai's air pollution levels are now worse. In 2018, Greenpeace reported that Shanghai's air pollution problem had exceeded that of Beijing, with PM2.5 levels in Shanghai surpassing those of the capital city.
Beijing's air pollution, however, is influenced by a combination of factors, including natural sources. The city's topography and seasonal weather patterns contribute to the poor air quality. The surrounding region's combustion of wood and coal during winter months leads to the presence of secondary organic aerosols, a significant component of Beijing's smog.
The complex interplay of natural and human-made factors exacerbates Beijing's air pollution. While the city has witnessed a surge in motor vehicles, population growth, and manufacturing output, natural factors play a pivotal role as well. The topographical characteristics of the region influence air circulation patterns, trapping pollutants and contributing to the city's notorious smog.
Beijing's location within a vast metropolitan area, encompassing a radius of approximately 600 kilometers, further complicates the situation. The pollution that blankets the city is not solely generated within its boundaries but is transported from various sources and regions. This large-scale phenomenon underscores the necessity for coordinated and comprehensive measures that extend beyond Beijing's immediate environs.
International studies, utilizing advanced technologies like mobile aerosol mass spectrometers, have been instrumental in unraveling the intricate nature of Beijing's air pollution. By analyzing the molecular composition of ambient aerosols, researchers have gained valuable insights into the sources and processes contributing to the city's poor air quality. These scientific advancements pave the way for more effective strategies to combat air pollution in Beijing and other affected regions.
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Shanghai's air pollution is human-produced
Shanghai and Beijing have both been infamous for their high levels of air pollution. However, Shanghai's air pollution is largely attributed to anthropogenic emissions, or human activity. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, gasoline, and diesel, contributes to the city's poor air quality. These human-made sources are a significant concern for the health and environment of Shanghai.
Shanghai's air pollution is mainly caused by PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, which are tiny particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 micrometres or less in width. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems, such as respiratory issues and throat irritation. Long-term exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter is the largest environmental risk factor for human health, and it is estimated that there were 4.1 million attributable deaths worldwide in 2019.
PM2.5 particles are primarily produced by anthropogenic emissions, such as the combustion of fossil fuels. They are also emitted from construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires. Certain gas pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds, can be converted into PM2.5 in the air under the influence of ultraviolet light. While natural processes, such as wildfires and wind-blown dust, also contribute to PM2.5 levels, human-made sources are a more significant concern in Shanghai.
The impact of human activity on Shanghai's air quality is evident from the data. In May 2025, Shanghai's PM2.5 levels were recorded at 61 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended target of 5 µg/m³. This level is considered unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups. Shanghai has seen year-on-year increases in PM2.5 levels, and its air pollution problem is now worse than Beijing's, which has dropped below the national average in recent years.
Shanghai's air pollution is a growing concern, and it is important to address the human-made sources of PM2.5 to improve the health and environment of the city. While China has made progress in reducing air pollution, with a 40% decrease in harmful particulates from 2013 to 2020, Shanghai continues to struggle with poor air quality, largely due to human activity and the combustion of fossil fuels.
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Beijing's air pollution has dropped below the national average
Beijing has long been considered the world's most polluted city, but its air quality has improved in recent years. The city has implemented several measures to combat pollution, including relocating factories, reducing coal-fired power plants, and investing in renewable energy sources.
In 2018, it was reported that Beijing's air pollution levels had dropped below the national average for the first time. This was a significant achievement, as the city had been struggling with toxic air pollution for many years. The improvement was attributed to various factors, including the relocation of industrial facilities and the reduction of car emissions.
However, it is important to note that Beijing's air quality still falls below health standards. While the city has made progress in reducing pollution, it still has a long way to go to ensure safe and clean air for its residents.
The Chinese government has also played a crucial role in tackling the country's air pollution problem. In 2013, the government published a plan to reduce coal consumption and switch to eco-friendly energy sources. As a result, the average PM2.5 concentration in 74 key cities decreased by 23.6% between 2013 and 2015.
In addition to government initiatives, individual cities have also taken steps to improve air quality. For example, Beijing launched a four-color alert system in 2013 to monitor and manage air pollution levels. The city has also shut down polluting mills, factories, and smelters to reduce emissions further.
While Beijing's air pollution levels have dropped below the national average, the city continues to face challenges in maintaining safe and healthy air quality for its residents. The issue of pollution in China is complex and multifaceted, requiring ongoing efforts and initiatives to ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for all.
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China has made progress in reducing air pollution
Shanghai and Beijing, two of China's largest cities, have historically struggled with air pollution. In 2012, Beijing was frantically trying to improve its air quality before the Summer Olympics. In 2013, a record smog in Northeast China caused the closure of schools and Harbin Airport. In the same year, China released its first national air pollution action plan, which set air quality targets for 2017. These targets were met, and the average PM2.5 pollution level in Beijing fell by 33% from 2013 to 2017.
China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. In 2016, only 84 out of 338 prefecture-level cities attained the national standard for air quality. By 2018, those same 338 cities enjoyed good air quality on 79% of days. The amount of harmful particulates in the air in China fell by 40% from 2013 to 2020, and the overall pollution fell by a further 10% between 2017 and 2018. China's success in controlling air pollution has resulted in more blue skies and an increase in life expectancy for its citizens.
To achieve these improvements, the Chinese government implemented a range of measures. They focused on saving energy and reducing emissions in the coal power sector by upgrading power plants and removing polluting vehicles from the roads. They also encouraged ultra-low emissions refits for the steel industry and promoted the development of environmentally friendly equipment for polluting industries. Additionally, large cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou restricted the number of cars on the road and introduced all-electric bus fleets. China also invested heavily in reforestation and afforestation programmes, planting over 35 billion trees across 12 provinces.
Despite this progress, China still faces challenges in reducing pollution. In 2023, it was reported that China, the United States, and India were the top three energy polluters, together accounting for more than 53% of global energy pollution. China's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have contributed to high levels of pollution, and it is still struggling to manage contaminated recyclables imported from other countries. While China has made impressive strides in reducing air pollution, it must continue to prioritise sustainable practices and policies to further improve its air quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Shanghai's air pollution is now considered worse than Beijing's. Beijing has long been regarded as the world's air pollution capital, but its air quality has improved in recent years and is now better than the national average.
Shanghai's air pollution is largely caused by human activity, particularly industrial output and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. The country's first national air pollution action plan, published in 2013, set air quality targets for 2017, which were met. China has also implemented stricter waste import policies and banned solid waste and highly contaminated plastic waste.
