History of Beijing's environmental pollution remediation plan (detailed from 1990s to 2024)

History of Beijing's environmental pollution remediation plan (detailed from 1990s to 2024)

Situation and Efforts in the 1990s
In the 1990s, Beijing faced worsening air pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Since coal was the main energy source, PM2.5 and SO₂ concentrations were high, posing a health hazard in the winter months. 1996 saw the launch of the "Coal Reform and Electricity" project, a plan to replace more than 100 coal boilers with natural gas boilers. In addition, low-emission vehicles were introduced into the public transportation system in an initial attempt to reduce emissions.

Improvement Plans for the 2000s
Environmental regulations were tightened following the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A shift from coal to natural gas was underway, and equipment at major power plants was upgraded. During the Olympics, factories were shut down and PM2.5 concentrations temporarily improved, but sustained measures were required thereafter. The electrification of urban transportation was promoted, and with the cooperation of Toyota and Volkswagen, the use of eco-cars accelerated.

Deepening Initiatives in the 2010s
In 2013, serious air pollution became a social problem throughout China, and the city of Beijing formulated an Action Plan for Air Pollution Control. Coal boilers were further phased out and the electrification of public transportation was promoted: by 2017, 60% of the city's major bus routes had been replaced by electric buses. The city also set a goal of reducing PM2.5 concentrations to less than 70 µg/m³ per year, thereby reducing health hazards.

Progress in the 2020s
By 2024, PM2.5 concentrations were reduced to 34 µg/m³, an 81% decrease from the previous year. 845,000 electric vehicles were introduced in the city, with 40% of new vehicles being electric; 23 fuel boilers were retrofitted with natural gas specifications, and 490 tons of enhanced exhaust gas treatment capacity was added. Climate-adaptive city trials are underway in the districts of Mengtouguo, Tongzhou, and Yanqing, and progress is being made in urban biodiversity protection; the goal is to reduce PM2.5 below 25 µg/m³ by 2035.