PM 2.5 is a substantial problem in China. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has reported that, of the 74 major Chinese cities that are monitored, an average of 62.4% of days in January failed to meet quality standards. However, as mentioned in parts one and two of China’s Air Quality, the issue is being addressed.
Article one of The Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution speaks plainly the government’s goals: “This Law is formulated for the purpose of preventing and controlling atmospheric pollution, protecting and improving people’s environment and the ecological environment, safeguarding human health, and promoting the sustainable development of economy and society.”
The law goes on to explain that this atmospheric protection must be incorporated into governmental plans while the research for prevention and control of pollution must be strengthened. It addresses the methods for supervision and management, along with the prevention and control of atmospheric pollution by the burning of coal, by discharge by motor-driven vehicles and vessels, and by waste gas, dust, and fetor. There is also a nice, lengthy section about legal liability for those who violate the law. For example, if one stores coal, coal gangue, coal cinder, coal ash, sandstone, lime soil, or other materials in densely inhabited areas without taking any measures for fire and dust prevention, they might be ordered to stop the illegal act, make rectification within a time limit, be given a warning, or be fined up to 50,000 yuan, all depending on the circumstances.
It’s a nice law. More importantly, the law of Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution is one that’s being enforced. Chinese Environment Minister Chen Jining has vowed to strictly punish agencies or personnel who fail to initiate emergency response plans in a timely manner when air quality alerts are triggered. When a red alert is active, industry has to limit or cease activity. Yet, as might be expected, sometimes this doesn’t always go according to plan.
To ensure that industries comply, the Ministry of Environmental Protection dispatches inspection teams to regions with heavy pollution. Additionally, the environmental protection authorities of Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin have joined together in joint law enforcement actions. Inspectors ensure that emergency plans are being launched in time and that measures are taken to control pollution, including those from vehicle emissions and the burning of coal. Under this partnership, it’s anticipated that the 2017 levels of PM 2.5 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region will be reduced by 25% when compared to their 2012 levels.
There has been progress. The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that the air quality in 338 Chinese cities has improved in the months of April and May. The average density of PM 2.5 stood at 42 and 38 micrograms per cubic meter this year. That’s a decrease of 8.7% and 11.6% from the same period of last year. It might not seem like a huge number, but lasting results don’t always happen immediately. Currently, at least 338 cities in China are breathing a little easier in the months of April and May. With continued environmental laws and enforcement, the percentages will increase. More months will be included, more cities will benefit, and most importantly, more people will breathe easier.
All living things need air to live, from panda bears to people. China knows this and is taking steps through the law to control and reduce the airborne pollutants like PM 2.5. With successful legislation and enforcement, there might come a point where visitors to China find the air comparable with that of their homeland. Some might even find it better. Until that day arrives though, visitors to China should keep an eye on the AQI reports.