Air pollution and control action in Beijing

TitleAir pollution and control action in Beijing
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsZhang, Hefeng, Shuxiao Wang, Jiming Hao, Xinming Wang, Shulan Wang, Fahe Chai, and Mei Li
JournalJournal of Cleaner Production
Volume112, Part 2
Pagination1519-1527
ISSN0959-6526
Abstract

Beijing, the capital of China, has experienced rapid industrialization, urbanization and motorization in recent decades. Consequently, air pollution in Beijing, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, has gradually become a severe environmental issue, due to the continuing growth in energy consumption and the resulting multiple pollutant emissions. In response to the increasingly serious PM2.5 pollution, Beijing's government implemented a series of policies, measures and regulations on air pollution prevention and control and took some concrete actions to improve air quality. In this paper, firstly, we summarize China's ambient air quality standards, China's policies and regulations on air pollution prevention and control. Secondly, we illustrate historical evolution and current status of air pollution in Beijing. Finally, we introduce control measures and actions in Beijing and its surrounding areas. The paper aims to help environmental scientists and policy makers around the world understand the past and current air pollution in Beijing and control strategies and actions taken by Beijing's government.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652615004679
DOI10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.04.092
Alternate JournalPreventing Smog Crises