China's Acid Rain Problem (Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Kyushu) - October 1994

China's Acid Rain Problem (Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Kyushu) - October 1994

#### 1990s (1994)
In the 1990s, China's rapid industrialization led to a significant increase in coal consumption, resulting in approximately 23 million tons of **sulfur oxides (SOx)** being emitted annually. Major industrial cities such as **Beijing**, **Shanghai**, and **Chongqing** experienced severe pollution due to these emissions. SOx in the atmosphere combined with moisture to produce acid rain, which caused extensive damage to forests and crops across the country. In **Kyushu**, Japan, acid rain was recorded at approximately 150mm per year in 1994. During this period, the Chinese government acknowledged the acid rain issue and began installing **desulfurization equipment**, but these efforts were limited to certain factories and did not yet constitute a nationwide response.

#### 2000s
In the 2000s, China's coal consumption continued to rise, resulting in the emission of approximately **25 million tons** of SOx annually, exacerbating the acid rain problem. Particularly in the industrial regions of **Jiangsu** and **Zhejiang**, acid rain caused severe damage to agricultural production, with an annual loss estimated at **15 billion yuan**. The Chinese government strengthened its measures and, by 2006, more than **3,000 power plants** were required to install desulfurization equipment. Additionally, a **30% reduction target** for SOx emissions was set, but economic growth and increased coal consumption hindered full resolution of the problem.

#### 2010s
In the 2010s, acid rain damage began to decrease, as SOx emissions were reduced along with annual **25 million tons** of emissions. The Chinese government implemented the **Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan** in 2013, under which major cities made progress in reducing SOx emissions. By 2015, cities like **Beijing**, **Tianjin**, and **Shanghai** had successfully cut SOx emissions by **40%**, leading to a decrease in acid rain occurrences. Additionally, the expansion of **renewable energy**, including wind and solar power, reduced coal consumption by 2017. However, some areas continued to experience agricultural losses due to acid rain, with annual damages reaching **10 billion yuan**.

#### 2020s
In the 2020s, China set ambitious **carbon neutrality** goals, implementing policies to reduce coal dependency. The proportion of renewable energy is set to increase to **20%** by 2025, and a target of **60% reduction** in SOx emissions by 2030 has been established. By 2021, the annual economic damage caused by acid rain had decreased to **5 billion yuan**, and air quality in urban areas significantly improved. Moreover, with the adoption of **electric vehicles** and energy-efficient technologies, emissions reductions have accelerated, and renewable energy is expected to account for **25%** of electricity generation by 2025.

Thus, while China's acid rain problem, stemming from rapid industrialization in the 1990s, has seen gradual improvement through government policies and technological advancements, damage continues in rural and local areas. Sustainable energy transition and international cooperation remain crucial for future progress.