China's remarkable global achievement in air pollution control

The world observed International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sunday, with this year's theme, "Racing for Air." The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) China Office hosted a themed event in Beijing to commemorate the day.

UN officials highlighted that air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental health risks of our time, stressing that pollution knows no borders and that everyone shares the responsibility to protect the atmosphere and ensure healthy air for all, China Media Group (CMG) reported. Once one of the world's most polluted cities, Beijing has transformed into one of the cleanest capital cities globally. China's efforts and achievements in air pollution control have garnered high praise from the international community.

"China's effective policies have built a strong framework for environmental improvement. These policies foster cooperation across sectors, including private and state-owned enterprises, and encourage participation from industries that were once major polluters," said Chang Qide, a UN Coordinator in China. He also highlighted Beijing's success as a model for other cities worldwide.

According to CMG, experts noted that in the past decade, China's GDP grew by 69 percent, while PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 57 percent, and the number of days with heavy pollution dropped by 92 percent. Despite maintaining an economic growth rate of over 5 percent, China has significantly improved its air quality.

"A research institution at the University of Maryland compared the reductions in PM2.5 concentrations between China and the U.S. They found that China's seven-year reduction was equivalent to the 30-year decline in the U.S., marking a globally noteworthy achievement," said He Kebin, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

It is estimated that by 2060, the annual average PM2.5 concentration could drop from the current level of over 20 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to a single-digit figure, according to CMG.

Since 2013, China has implemented several measures to prevent and control air pollution, including eliminating outdated production capacity, renovating coal boilers and replacing coal with cleaner alternatives. These measures have significantly reduced major pollutants, with the national average PM2.5 concentration falling from 72 μg/m3 in 2013 to 29.3 μg/m3 in 2023, He said.

By 2060, non-fossil energy is projected to account for 72 percent of primary energy consumption, renewable energy is likely to contribute over 70 percent to electricity generation, coal consumption in the industrial sector is anticipated to fall below 15 percent, and new energy vehicles are expected to make up over 60 percent of the market share, CMG reported.