China aims to eliminate severe air pollution by the end of 2025 to accelerate efforts in pollution control and emissions reduction in the “battle of blue skies”, reported Reuters.
China aims to improve its air quality forecasting, early warning systems and enhance coordinated management of harmful airborne particles known as PM2.5, as well as ozone pollution, said Li Tianwei, Director of the Department of Atmospheric Environment told Reuters.
Li also stressed on the need for China to introduce new emission standards that align with global test practices, adding that the country will boost the share of new energy vehicles and machinery in airports, ports and logistics parks.
Authorities also plant to promote long-distance transportation of bulk good by rail and water, instead of roads, as per Reuters.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises PM2.5 concentrations above 50 micrograms per cubic metre as “severe” air pollution.
According to Reuters, China’s air quality has improved significantly with average PM2.5 concentrations in cities being 29.3 micrograms per cubic metre, a year-on-year decrease of 2.7%.
The proportion of days having good air quality reached 87.2%, rising by 1.7% points year-on-year.
India's Pollution Crisis
In contrast, India is facing increasing air pollution crisis with alarming health and economic consequences. A study published by policy consulting organisation, Artha Centre for Rapid Insights (ACRI) on February 20 revealed the alarming health impact of increasing pollution levels in India.
According to the ACRI study, over 60% of respondents from Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi reported experiencing respiratory issues during the peak pollution period in November 2024, underscoring the air quality crisis in North India.
The study further said that the air pollution in India has reached a critical level, posing severe environmental, health and economic risks. On November 19, 2024, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked to hazardous 500-beyond safe limits.
The ACRI study, conducted across eight highly affected states in November 2024, across 8,698 households, revealed that 56% of respondents or their family members suffered from pollution-induced respiratory illnesses. The impact was especially severe among young adults, with over 60% of individuals aged 18-30 reporting health issues, it noted.
Among those affected, 70% missed at least one day of work or school, underscoring the economic toll of poor air quality.
Despite India’s claims of reducing air pollution through the National Clean Air Programme, the country is far behind targets and even ranked third among world’s most polluted nations as per a report published in AQI.in.
As China and India are struggling with the air pollution crisis, it is clear that urgent action is required in both countries, with a particular focus on implementation over political disputes.
