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China’s drastic reduction in air pollution levels over the past decade will meaningfully boost the lifespans of its citizens, according to a new study by US-based researchers.
“Although the challenge of reducing air pollution across the world may seem daunting, China has had remarkable success,” the University of Chicago’s air quality life index reads.
Despite achieving rapid economic growth, China has reduced air pollution by 41% since 2013 — the year before the country began its “war against pollution.”
If these improvements are sustained, the average Chinese citizen can expect to live two years longer, the researchers say.
Bloomberg explains that the government’s National Air Quality Action Plan was launched after harmful smog peaked in 2013. Among other things, the strategy targets fewer cars on the road, cuts to steel capacity, a shift to renewable electricity, and bans on coal-fired power plants in major urban areas.
The country has also prioritised the electrification of transport. The southern city of Shenzhen completed the shift to electric buses and taxis years ago, and Shanghai aims to follow suit by 2027.
China’s third air pollution control plan, introduced in November 2023, aims to reduce air pollution in major cities by another 10% by 2025, as compared to 2020 levels.
However, the country still has a long way to go.
Air pollution levels are still 5.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline, the report says. Meeting the guideline would boost the average life span by another 2.3 years.
Almost all (99.9%) of China’s 1.4 billion people live in areas where air pollution levels exceeds the WHO’s guideline. Air pollution is the third highest risk factor for reduced life expectancy in the country, behind high blood pressure and tobacco.
