The Air Pollution Crisis In China: Why?

China's air pollution is a pressing issue that poses significant challenges to the country's environment, economy, and public health. The problem has been exacerbated by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a growing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal. China's air pollution has severe consequences, causing an estimated 1.24 million deaths in 2017 alone, according to a study in The Lancet, and contributing to various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. The Chinese government has implemented measures to address this issue, such as the anti-pollution campaign in 2013, and there are signs of improvement, especially during the COVID-19 era. However, the country continues to struggle with balancing economic growth and environmental protection, and air pollution remains a critical concern for China and the world.

Coal-fired power plants and coal-powered industries

China's rapid industrialization has resulted in an immense increase in the need for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, with coal-fired power plants and coal-powered industries playing a significant role in meeting this demand.

Coal-fired power plants have long been recognized as a primary source of air pollution globally, and China, with its large number of such plants, is no exception. In 2020, during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, most cities in China implemented strict lockdown measures that brought economic activities to a near halt. However, air pollution levels, particularly the daily concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, and NOx, remained relatively high, indicating that coal-fired power plants, which continued operating during this period, were a significant contributor to air pollution.

China's energy economy is heavily reliant on coal, with approximately 70.4% to 82.5% of its power generation coming from coal-fired power plants. This reliance on coal has led to a massive expansion of coal-fired power plants, which has, in turn, contributed to the country's air pollution crisis. While China has made efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, the sheer size of its population and energy requirements make this a challenging and gradual process.

To address air pollution, China has implemented various large-scale environmental regulations. For instance, in 2011, a new air pollutant standard was imposed on coal-fired power plants to reduce dust, SO2, and NOx emissions. Additionally, the Chinese government has designated certain provinces as "red light areas," requiring them to immediately halt all new coal plant construction projects due to severe air pollution and excess coal-fired power consumption.

Despite these efforts, China's construction of new coal-power plants reached a ten-year high in 2024, with 94.5 gigawatts of new coal-power capacity. This resurgence has been driven by investments from the coal-mining sector and the diversification of companies to secure stable demand for their output. It is worth noting that China's clean energy progress is undermined by this accelerated expansion of coal-fired power plants, and it raises concerns about the country's ability to transition away from fossil fuels.

In conclusion, coal-fired power plants and coal-powered industries have significantly contributed to China's air pollution crisis. While China has made efforts to address this issue through regulations and renewable energy commitments, the country continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing its immense energy demands with environmental sustainability.

Vehicle emissions

On a national scale, vehicle emissions have been identified as one of the most important contributors to air pollution in most Chinese cities. The consumption of large amounts of fossil fuels by vehicles has been a primary driver of this pollution and has also contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicle emissions release pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions contribute to the formation of secondary pollution, such as photochemical smog, visibility reduction, and haze, causing damage to the environment and public health.

The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality is particularly notable in middle-sized cities in China, such as Langfang, where the increasing vehicle population and lagged control policies have led to severe pollution. From 2011 to 2017, total vehicle emissions in Langfang decreased for carbon monoxide but increased for volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and inhalable particles. Without comprehensive policies to mitigate vehicle pollution in these cities, emissions are projected to increase rapidly.

To address the issue of vehicle-induced air pollution, China has implemented long-term strategies and regulations. These include the development of an integrated mechanism of social participation, technical revolution, and regulatory innovation in vehicles, fuel, and roads. However, current environmental policies and measures on air pollution have struggled to keep pace with the rapid development of the vehicle industry. As a result, air quality in China, especially in its cities, has deteriorated, with vehicle emissions playing a significant role.

Industrial pollution

China's rapid economic growth and industrial expansion have come at a high environmental cost, with the country now facing record levels of air and water pollution. Industrial pollution has been a major source of worry since the Industrial Revolution, and it continues to pose a significant challenge today.

Industrial firms discharge inorganic compounds and toxic gases into the water during production activities, resulting in serious water and air contamination. China's Ministry of Health has reported that industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in the country. The air pollution resulting from industrial activities exposes people to fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing various diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

The immense urban growth in Chinese cities has substantially increased the demand for consumer goods, vehicles, and energy, further contributing to industrial pollution. The agglomeration of firms in certain areas intensifies pollution emission intensity and brings unintended consequences for public health. Despite some improvements in environmental protection, China remains the world's largest producer and consumer of coal, which covers 60% of its electricity demand. The recent increase in industrial activity, including the operation of steel and cement plants, has led to a spike in smog levels in northern Chinese cities.

To tackle industrial pollution, China has implemented measures such as closing and relocating industrial plants and raising emission standards. Metropolises like Beijing and Nanjing are adopting smart technologies to identify pollutants and develop green infrastructure. However, the country's rapid economic growth has taken priority over pollution controls in recent years, and more stringent measures are needed to address the health and environmental impacts of industrial pollution effectively.

Domestic waste

China's rapid industrialization has resulted in severe air pollution, which has serious social, economic, and political implications. While industry, transportation, coal power plants, and vehicle emissions are major contributors to air pollution in China, domestic waste also plays a significant role.

The term "white pollution" is used in China to describe the proliferation of plastic waste, particularly white plastic shopping bags, Styrofoam containers, and other light-coloured materials that began littering agricultural fields, landscapes, and waterways in the mid-to-late 1990s. China is the world's largest producer and exporter of plastic products, accounting for nearly 30% of the world's total. It is also the leading generator of plastic waste, with at least 13% of its domestic plastic waste being dumped directly into the environment, amounting to millions of tons per year.

In addition to plastic waste, electronic waste is also a significant component of domestic waste in China. In 2011, China produced 2.3 million tons of electronic waste, and the amount is expected to increase as the economy grows. While legislation has been introduced to ban the importation of electronic waste and enforce proper disposal of domestic waste, enforcement has been criticized as insufficient and susceptible to fraud.

The impact of domestic waste on air pollution is evident in the high levels of mercury pollution in China. China is the world's leading emitter of mercury air pollution, largely due to its coal-burning power plants. Mercury emissions from these plants pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

Furthermore, the use of coal and solid fuels by households for heating and cooking, particularly in rural areas, significantly contributes to air pollution. While households account for only 1.9% of China's total coal use, their emissions are less filtered, resulting in a disproportionate impact on air quality.

Overall, domestic waste, including plastic waste, electronic waste, and the use of coal and solid fuels by households, is a significant contributor to China's air pollution crisis. Addressing these issues through proper waste disposal, reduced reliance on coal, and improved emissions control measures will be crucial for improving air quality and mitigating the social, economic, and health consequences of air pollution in China.

International repercussions

China's air pollution has had significant international repercussions, affecting other countries and prompting global efforts to address the issue. Here are some key aspects of these international repercussions:

Impact on Neighbouring Countries: China's air pollution has not remained within its borders but has spread to neighbouring countries, causing air quality issues in those regions. For example, studies have shown that Chinese pollution, particularly sulphate pollution, has been transported to the western United States, contributing to non-compliance with air quality standards in cities like Los Angeles. Additionally, pollution from China has reached South Korea and Japan, with cities like Seoul experiencing acid rain due to the presence of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

International Trade and Outsourcing: The United States' outsourcing of manufacturing to China has had a rebound effect on air quality in both countries. While the US has seen a reduction in emissions, the increased production in China has led to higher levels of pollution that affect both countries. This dynamic highlights the complex relationship between international trade and air pollution, where the production and consumption of goods in one country can have consequences for the environment in another.

Global Climate Change Commitments: China's air pollution has placed the country under international scrutiny regarding its commitments to addressing global climate change. As a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement, China pledged to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, China's escalating reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, and its increasing carbon emissions have raised concerns about its ability to meet these targets. The international community has pressured China to balance its economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Diplomatic Relations: China's air pollution has impacted its diplomatic relations with other countries. The publication of air quality data by the US Embassy in Beijing in 2008 prompted China to strengthen its standards for monitoring and improving air quality. Additionally, China's decision to limit imports of contaminated waste and recyclables from Western countries through its Operation Green Fence program was interpreted as an international relations move against those countries.

Global Health Concerns: Air pollution in China has contributed to the global burden of disease, causing premature deaths and health issues not only within China but potentially in other countries as well. Fine particles in polluted air can penetrate the lungs and cardiovascular system, leading to various diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. The global health implications of China's air pollution have heightened the urgency for international collaboration on transboundary air pollution control.

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