Beijing 2013 vs Beijing 2024: Cleaner Air, Less Pollution — Here’s How China Did It…

Summary

Over the past decade, China has significantly improved its air quality, reducing PM 2.5 levels by over 60% through initiatives like transportation reform, stricter industrial regulations, and afforestation projects. Beijing, once notorious for smog, now enjoys clearer skies. However, challenges remain, with PM 2.5 levels still exceeding global health standards. Meanwhile, Delhi continues to suffer from severe air pollution, with toxic air reducing life expectancy and posing major health risks. The contrast between China’s progress and Delhi’s struggles highlights the ongoing battle against air pollution, with India needing urgent solutions to address the crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 China's air pollution has decreased by over 54% in the past decade, improving air quality in major cities.
• 😀 In 2013, China's average PM 2.5 level was a staggering 156 micrograms per cubic meter, but it dropped to 38.9 by 2023, a 60% reduction.
• 😀 The decline in air pollution was achieved through a combination of transportation reforms, industrial regulations, and green initiatives.
• 😀 China transitioned from a car-centric system to a sustainable mobility model, with significant investment in urban rail networks and the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles.
• 😀 The country implemented a state-of-the-art air quality monitoring system with over 1,000 sensors, supported by satellite and laser radar technologies, to track pollution in real-time.
• 😀 Strict regulations on industrial emissions, along with a reduction in coal reliance, contributed to improved air quality in China.
• 😀 The share of coal in China's energy mix dropped from 67.4% in 2013 to 57.7% by 2019, and progress in renewable energy adoption continues.
• 😀 Beijing, once notorious for hazardous air quality, saw a 25% reduction in PM 2.5 levels between 2013 and 2017 through coordinated policies such as driving bans and vehicle scrappage schemes.
• 😀 Green initiatives, such as afforestation projects along China's northern borders, helped reduce sandstorms that contributed to seasonal pollution in cities like Beijing.
• 😀 Despite improvements, PM 2.5 levels still exceed the World Health Organization's recommended threshold of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, and rising surface ozone levels present new health risks.
• 😀 China's progress in tackling air pollution offers a blueprint for other nations, like India, that are still struggling with severe pollution levels, such as those in Delhi, where the air quality index (AQI) often exceeds 900.

Q & A

What was the extent of air pollution in China a decade ago?

A decade ago, China was grappling with one of the worst air pollution crises in the world, with cities enveloped in thick smog and health risks skyrocketing.

By how much has air pollution in some Chinese cities decreased over the past 10 years?

Air pollution in some of China's big cities has decreased by over 54% in the past 10 years.

What was China's average PM 2.5 level in 2013, and what is it today?

In 2013, China's average PM 2.5 level was 101.56 micrograms per cubic meter. By 2023, it had dropped to 38.9 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a 60% reduction.

What role did transportation reform play in China's improvement in air quality?

Transportation reform was crucial as China shifted from a car-centric system to a sustainable mobility model, with rapid expansion of urban rail networks and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

How did China's air quality monitoring system contribute to pollution reduction?

Since 2016, China has used an integrated air quality monitoring system with over 1,000 sensors, supported by satellite and laser radar technologies, allowing authorities to track pollution in real time and respond effectively.

What impact did China's reduction in coal usage have on air quality?

China reduced its reliance on coal, with the coal share in its energy mix dropping from 67.4% in 2013 to 57.7% in 2019. This contributed to lower air pollution, though some setbacks occurred due to energy shortages.

How did afforestation projects contribute to improving air quality in China?

Afforestation projects, particularly along China's northern borders, helped reduce sandstorms, which were a major contributor to seasonal pollution in cities like Beijing.

What is 'Beijing blue' and how did it come to be?

'Beijing blue' refers to the city's clear skies and improved air quality, achieved through coordinated efforts across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, including measures like vehicle bans, license plate lotteries, and scrapping old vehicles.

What challenges remain despite China's significant progress in improving air quality?

Despite significant progress, China's PM 2.5 levels still exceed the World Health Organization's recommended threshold, and rising surface ozone levels pose new risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

What are the air pollution challenges in Delhi, India, and how severe are they?

Delhi suffers from severe air pollution, with AQI levels reaching 900 in some areas. Toxic air is reducing the life expectancy of residents by up to nine years, and it is equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes a day.

What can be learned from China's experience in addressing air pollution that could benefit other nations?

China's success in improving air quality through bold decisions, such as transportation reforms, stricter industrial regulations, and advanced monitoring systems, serves as a blueprint for other nations facing similar pollution challenges.