The Haze Over China: Why Air Pollution Persists

China's air pollution is a pressing issue that has garnered global attention. The country's rapid industrialization and urbanization have significantly contributed to the deteriorating air quality, with severe consequences for public health and the environment. China's commitment to addressing climate change through international agreements and domestic initiatives reflects its recognition of the problem's urgency. However, the complex interplay between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability presents a challenging balance that China must navigate in its efforts to combat air pollution.

Coal-powered industries and electricity generation

China's air pollution is a significant issue, causing up to 760,000 premature deaths annually and affecting the health of people in neighbouring countries like South Korea. Coal-powered industries and electricity generation have been major contributors to this problem.

Historically, electricity generation has been the primary source of air pollution in China. However, large coal-powered industries, which are key drivers of China's economic development, have increasingly become significant polluters. By 2017, the steel industry had surpassed electricity generation as the country's biggest polluter. China's rapid industrialisation and economic growth have led to a surge in energy demand, contributing to the increased use of coal and other fossil fuels.

Coal-burning power plants and heating sources produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that rises into the air and poses health risks when levels are high. These particulates not only affect people within China but also cross borders, impacting the health of residents in neighbouring nations. In East Asia, the westerlies during fall and winter boost transboundary air pollution, carrying pollutants from China to countries like South Korea.

Despite China's efforts to reduce coal consumption, the country continues to expand its coal-powered electricity generation capacity with new power plants. In 2017 and 2018, China's coal consumption increased after previous years of decline. This trend is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting a rebound in global coal demand led by China. As a result, coal-powered industries will likely remain a significant source of pollution and carbon emissions in the country.

China has made commitments to address global climate change, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, where they pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and increase the share of non-fossil fuels. Additionally, President Xi Jinping announced China's aim to be carbon neutral by 2060. While these efforts are commendable, it remains to be seen whether they will be sufficient to address the country's air pollution crisis fully.

Vehicle emissions

The Chinese government has recognized the urgency of addressing this issue and has implemented various measures to curb vehicle emissions. Since 1995, China has introduced a series of motor vehicle emission standards, such as CHINA-IV and CHINA-V, which have helped reduce pollution levels. Despite these efforts, the increasing number of vehicles on the road continues to pose a challenge, as the benefits of improved emission standards can be offset by the rising number of cars.

To further mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions, China has explored alternative energy sources for transportation. Hainan Province, for example, has taken the initiative to ban the sale of fuel-powered cars by 2030, promoting the transition to new energy vehicles (NEVs). However, this shift may lead to a spike in electricity demand, considering China's current reliance on coal-fired power generation. As such, a comprehensive approach involving social participation, technical advancements, and regulatory innovations is necessary to achieve long-term improvements in air quality and promote the sustainable development of the vehicle industry.

Traffic congestion, particularly in urban clusters like the North China Plain and Sichuan Basin, exacerbates the problem of vehicle emissions. The high volume of vehicles on the road contributes to increased emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), leading to a substantial health burden and an elevated rate of premature mortality. To address this issue, more effective vehicle emission control policies and improved road network planning are essential to reduce congestion and enhance air quality in congested urban areas.

Household coal usage

The use of coal by households significantly contributes to air pollution in China, especially in rural areas where many homes rely on coal and other solid fuels for heating and cooking. In 2003, approximately 80% of the energy consumed by rural households was biomass, and almost 10% was coal. As of 2018, households account for 1.9% of China's total coal usage. However, households have a disproportionately large impact on air pollution because the emissions are less filtered.

Indoor air pollution from solid fuel use in China is responsible for approximately 420,000 premature deaths annually, more than the approximately 300,000 attributed to urban outdoor air pollution. Observed health effects include respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, weakening of the immune system, and reduction in lung function. Burning coal has the worst health impact of any source of air pollution in China and caused 366,000 premature deaths in 2013. Coal is responsible for about 40% of the fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5 in China's atmosphere.

In recent years, China has made efforts to reduce household coal usage. In 2019, Beijing implemented a program to eliminate household coal use. In 2017, a campaign was launched to substitute electricity or pipeline-based natural gas for heating in northern China, focusing on Beijing, Tianjin, and 26 other municipalities in the surrounding area. It is planned that 60% of coal-using households within this region will shift to clean fuels.

Health impacts

Air pollution in China has had a significant impact on the health of its citizens, causing about 2 million deaths per year. Of these deaths, ambient air pollution caused more than 1 million, while another million were attributed to household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies. The health effects of air pollution vary by region in China, with higher education, income, life satisfaction, and long-term marriage associated with better health outcomes among those exposed to air pollution.

The fine particles in polluted air penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections. The impact of air pollution on mental health is also a growing area of concern, as it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

The Chinese government has made efforts to reduce air pollution, particularly in response to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, by implementing regulations to curb emissions from coal power plants and vehicles. These efforts have had some success, with a 75% drop in sulphate emissions. However, the rapid expansion of coal-powered industries and the increase in the number of vehicles on the road continue to contribute to China's air pollution problems.

The health impact of air pollution in China is not limited to physical ailments but also extends to social and economic consequences. Air pollution affects people's quality of life and has been linked to decreased labour capacity, impacting productivity and the economy. The social impact of air pollution includes the unequal distribution of healthcare resources, with certain regions having better access to healthcare than others, which further exacerbates health inequalities.

While China has made commitments to address global climate change, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, and has taken steps to improve air quality, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to fully address the country's air pollution problems and mitigate the health impacts on its citizens.

Climate change commitments

China has made several significant commitments to addressing global climate change, including those made as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement. China has committed to peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and increasing the share of non-fossil fuels used to 20% of total consumption within the same timeframe. In addition, President Xi Jinping announced in 2020 that China aims to be carbon neutral by 2060.

However, China's rapid economic development and industrialization have led to an increase in air pollution, primarily driven by the use of coal for electricity generation and industrial activities. Despite plans to reduce coal consumption, China continues to expand its coal-fired power plant capacity. The steel industry has also emerged as a significant polluter, surpassing electricity generation as the biggest polluter by 2017.

To address air pollution, China has implemented various measures, including tightening vehicle emissions standards and reducing sulphur emissions from coal power plants. These efforts have had some success, with a notable decrease in transboundary air pollution, resulting in improved air quality and fewer deaths in neighbouring countries like South Korea.

While China's actions to reduce air pollution are commendable, there are concerns about the impact on global warming. Some researchers argue that the removal of aerosols from the atmosphere through China's pollution reduction efforts has contributed to an increase in the rate of global warming since 2010. This phenomenon, known as "unmasking," has revealed the full extent of greenhouse gas-driven warming that was previously masked by the cooling effect of pollution.

China's climate change commitments and efforts to reduce air pollution present a delicate balance between economic growth and the social and environmental well-being of its citizens. While the success of its war on pollution policies has had positive outcomes, the country continues to grapple with the challenges of reducing its reliance on coal and addressing the environmental and health impacts of air pollution.

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