China’s air pollution is a well-documented issue, with over a million people estimated to die each year due to its effects. However, the country has been proactive in developing innovative solutions to tackle this challenge. In response to the growing crisis, China introduced various measures to combat air pollution. The government banned new coal-fired power plants, shut down old ones, and restricted vehicle usage in large cities. It also invested heavily in afforestation and reforestation programs, such as the Great Green Wall, which has led to the planting of over 35 billion trees across 12 provinces. The 2013 Air Pollution Action Plan has been China’s most influential environmental policy to date, leading to significant improvements in air quality between 2013 and 2017. However, progress has not been uniform, with many cities still struggling to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended annual average PM2.5 levels. China’s commitment to the fight against air pollution continued with the introduction of the Three-year Action Plan for Winning the Blue Sky War in 2018. This plan expanded the scope of the 2013 Action Plan to cover all Chinese cities, setting ambitious reduction targets for PM2.5 levels and emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. Despite the ongoing challenges, China has made remarkable progress in addressing air pollution. Its efforts have resulted in substantial improvements in life expectancy, with the average citizen now expected to live 2.4 years longer if current pollution reduction trends continue. As China continues its battle against air pollution, the path towards clearer skies becomes increasingly attainable.
Source: https://www.envirotech-online.com/news/air-monitoring/6/international-environmental-technology/the-path-to-clearer-skies-fighting-air-pollution-in-china/60276
