Air Pollution's Deadly Toll In China

Air pollution is a pressing issue in China, with the country facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis. The high levels of air pollution have had a significant impact on the health of Chinese citizens, contributing to a substantial number of deaths each year. The primary sources of air pollution in China include industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage. Despite recent improvements in air quality, particularly during the COVID-era, China still has a long way to go in its battle against air pollution. The ageing population in China also poses a challenge, as the elderly are more susceptible to the health risks associated with air pollution. This issue is not unique to China, as other countries like India and those in Eastern Europe face similar demographic shifts.

Ambient PM2.5 pollution: responsible for 1.4 million premature deaths in 2019

China is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury. This noxious air pollution poses a threat to the health of Chinese citizens, as well as to the global population and economy. According to a study by The Lancet, an estimated 1.24 million people died from exposure to air pollution in China in 2017.

In 2013, China launched an anti-pollution campaign to tackle the issue of harmful particulate matter, specifically targeting PM2.5. This campaign resulted in a significant reduction in PM2.5 concentrations, with a 50% decrease between 2013 and 2019. Despite these efforts, ambient PM2.5 pollution continued to take a heavy toll, causing approximately 1.4 million premature deaths in China in 2019, according to the Global Burden of Disease study.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. These microscopic particles can originate from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of solid fuels. They pose a significant health risk due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and even enter the bloodstream. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and reduced life expectancy.

The impact of ambient PM2.5 pollution is not limited to China. Globally, it accounts for a substantial number of premature deaths each year. According to estimates, ambient PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2010. Furthermore, it is estimated that nearly 70% of the total averted mortality that would result from attaining a global reduction in PM2.5 levels to 10 μg/m³ would occur in India and China alone, preventing approximately 1.4 million deaths.

Addressing ambient PM2.5 pollution is crucial for protecting public health and improving life expectancy. China's efforts to combat this issue have shown progress, with air quality improvements during the Covid era (2020-2022) and a further decline in PM2.5 concentrations in subsequent years. However, it is important to sustain and build upon these improvements to ensure a healthier future for China and the world.

Mercury emissions: China is the world's leading emitter

Air pollution is a serious issue in China, causing an estimated 1.24 million deaths in 2017 alone, according to a study in The Lancet. Since 2000, over 30 million people have died from exposure to air pollution in the country. China's air pollution also has global repercussions, impacting not just the health of its citizens but also the world's economy and health.

Mercury emissions are a significant contributor to China's air pollution crisis. China is the world's leading emitter of mercury, a harmful neurotoxin. While global mercury emissions increased by 330% from 1960 to 2021, China's emissions have been on a decline since the 2010s. However, this decline has been offset by rapid growth in emissions from countries in the Global South, excluding China.

Mercury is released into the atmosphere through human activities and has detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health worldwide. In China, the intake of methylmercury (MeHg) has induced fatal heart attacks and contributed to per-foetus intelligence quotient (IQ) decrements. The geographical and sectoral sources of Hg-related health risks in China include the North and Central regions, with an average of 55.1% of attributable fatal heart attacks caused by the physical transport of Hg emitted in a different region.

To address mercury emissions, researchers have developed computer simulations to predict the impact of climate and mercury policies on pollution levels. By combining climate policies with the Minamata Convention, China could achieve additional reductions in mercury emissions. For example, under a climate policy consistent with China's Paris Agreement pledge to peak CO2 emissions by 2030, the country could reduce an additional 40 metric tons of mercury emissions in that year compared to mercury controls alone.

While China has made progress in improving its air quality, particularly during the Covid era (2020-2022), it is premature to declare victory in the war against pollution. The country's continued destruction of the environment, including the repression of environmental data and press freedoms, poses a threat to global health and the economy, with the worst impacts felt by its own citizens.

Greenhouse gases: emissions have increased by over 80% since 2005

Air pollution is a significant issue in China, causing an estimated 1.24 million deaths in 2017 alone, according to a study in The Lancet. The leading cause of these deaths is exposure to PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter. China's rapid industrialisation and economic growth have come at the cost of environmental degradation, with the country being the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006.

Greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), have increased by over 80% in China between 2005 and 2019. This is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy, with the energy sector being the most significant contributor to emissions. China's reliance on coal-fired power plants and industrial activities has led to high levels of CO2 emissions, which have severe health and environmental consequences.

The energy sector, including electricity and heat generation, transportation, and manufacturing, accounts for a substantial proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Residential buildings, in particular, contribute significantly to the energy sector's emissions, with fossil fuel use for heating and cooking being a major factor. Additionally, China's transportation sector, with its high dependence on petroleum-based fuels, further exacerbates the problem.

To address the issue of rising greenhouse gas emissions, China launched an anti-pollution campaign in 2013, targeting PM2.5 levels. This campaign has shown positive results, with a 50% reduction in PM2.5 concentrations by 2019. However, it is important to note that China's emissions are still increasing overall, and the country continues to face an unprecedented environmental health crisis.

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has severe implications for global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures. The rise in temperatures has already resulted in devastating storms, floods, fires, and heatwaves worldwide.

To mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to transform energy systems, industries, and food systems. Political commitment and technological advancements are crucial in this regard, with renewable energy sources becoming increasingly cost-effective. By implementing climate policies and reducing emissions, it may be possible to limit global warming and prevent further environmental and health disasters.

Industry, transportation, and coal power plants: major contributors to air pollution

Air pollution in China is responsible for an estimated 2 million deaths per year, with ambient air pollution causing more than 1 million of those deaths. The primary sources of air pollution in China are industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage.

Coal-fired power plants have been found to be a major contributor to air pollution in China. During the early COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, most cities in China implemented strict lockdown measures that forced individuals to stay at home, suspended commercial and industrial operations, and banned all forms of transportation. While economic activities were ceased, air pollution levels remained relatively high, indicating that coal-fired power plants—which continued their operations on a large scale during the pandemic—were a significant contributor to air pollution.

China has approximately 19.5% to 26.7% of global power generation, with 70.4% to 82.5% of that coming from coal-fired power plants. The unprecedented expansion of coal-fired power plants has long been noted as the primary source of air pollution worldwide. Studies have shown that technological upgrades are essential for addressing further emission control issues and improving air quality. For example, while NOx emission reduction increased by 21% between 2011 and 2015, ammonia levels increased by more than 49% during the same period due to the use of wet desulfurization technology, which produces a large amount of low-temperature wet flue gas that stays in the air for extended periods.

In addition to coal power plants, industrial activities and transportation also play a significant role in China's air pollution crisis. Beijing's industries, for instance, lead the world in mercury emissions, a harmful neurotoxin. Public disclosure of environmental data and scientific exchanges have been shown to lead to improvements in air quality. However, the Chinese Communist Party's domestic repression, including limits on press freedoms, slows changes that could reduce emissions and benefit the environment.

Population ageing: air pollution's impact on health will worsen

Air pollution is a pressing issue in China, with the country facing an unprecedented environmental health crisis. The country is the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury, and an estimated 1.24 million people died from exposure to air pollution in 2017.

The impact of air pollution on health is severe and far-reaching, and with the world population ageing rapidly, the adverse effects of air pollution will only become more prominent. It is estimated that the number of people over 60 will double in the next 30 years, and as people age, their bodies become more susceptible to the poisonous substances in the air. Older adults are the most vulnerable to air pollution, and by 2035, it is projected that over 85% of deaths from diabetes mellitus type 2 and ischemic heart disease will be among this age group.

Population ageing will be the leading contributor to increased deaths from air pollution, and this will offset the positive gains made by improvements in air quality and healthcare. China has made significant strides in reducing pollution, with the average PM2.5 concentration dropping by 50% from 2013 to 2019. However, the problem persists, and the Chinese Communist Party's domestic repression, including limits on press freedoms, slows down changes that could benefit the environment.

To mitigate the impact of population ageing on air pollution-related health issues, China must continue to improve air quality and address the underlying socio-economic factors that influence pollution levels. Regional collaboration is key to preventing pollution leakage, and relevant policies must consider the ageing population to build an age-friendly society. Increasing investment in healthcare is imperative to reduce the economic burden on older adults.

In conclusion, while China has made progress in combating air pollution, the impact of population ageing on health will worsen unless sustained efforts and policy interventions are implemented to address this complex issue.

Frequently asked questions