China has made remarkable strides in tackling pollution crisis over the past few years through proactive measures and policies. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the country’s air quality showed improvement in the first half of 2024, with a 2.9% reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) compared to 2023. The report also highlighted a year-on-year decline in other pollutants such as coarse particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Steps Taken to Address Pollution
China’s journey toward cleaner air began in earnest a decade ago, when pollution levels were severe due to extensive oil consumption. In 2013, the average PM2.5 level stood at 101.56 micrograms per cubic meter, according to Statista. Over the next decade, stringent policies helped bring this figure down to 38.98 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023.
Key measures included:
- Urban Rail Expansion: Transitioning from a car-centric transport system to a sustainable mobility model significantly reduced vehicular emissions.
- Advanced Monitoring Systems: A comprehensive air quality monitoring network established in 2016 utilized high-tech tools such as HD satellites, remote sensing, and laser radar to track pollution sources effectively.
- Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Incentives for NEVs: Policies like LEZs and support for new energy vehicles (NEVs) were instrumental in reducing emissions.
- Strategic Plans: The government implemented Five-Year Plans focusing on pollution control, alongside deploying over 1,000 sensors in cities to monitor and address high-pollution areas.
Improvements During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic also saw improvements in China’s air quality. Author Yanzhong Huang noted that PM2.5 levels in 2020 and 2021 were relatively low at 38.84 and 40.54 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. During this period, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng highlighted that the country’s temporary “APEC blue” skies had transitioned into enduring “China blue.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, experts caution against premature celebration. The PM2.5 levels remain above the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 μg/m³, and other pollutants, such as surface ozone (O3), pose ongoing health risks. Additionally, China’s reliance on fossil fuels is a concern. While the coal share in its energy mix decreased from 67.4% in 2013 to 57.7% in 2019, the country still approved significant coal power projects after electricity shortages in 2021.
By 2023, coal production reached a record 4.66 billion metric tons, marking a 2.9% year-on-year increase. This reliance on coal, especially in regions with high thermal power generation, remains a barrier to achieving optimal pollution control.
China’s efforts demonstrate a commendable commitment to combating pollution, but its reliance on fossil fuels and challenges with other pollutants indicate that the fight is far from over.
