Cleaner air in Korea linked to reduced pollution in China
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China’s efforts to improve air quality are contributing to clearer autumn skies in Korea. The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment reported that Beijing’s Air Quality Index reached 23 on October 16th, classifying it as “Excellent” under China’s six-tier system. The private air quality monitoring company IQAir measured PM2.5 concentration at 8.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Beijing experienced its lowest PM2.5 concentration since records began last year, falling 11.5% from the previous year and dipping below 30 micrograms per cubic meter for the first time since official measurements started in 2013. The city recorded 311 days with good or moderate air quality in 2023, representing 85.2% of the year, an increase of 135 days since 2013. The improvements stem from policies implemented by the Chinese government starting in 2013.
These include reducing coal consumption, regulating factory emissions, and phasing out older vehicles. Beijing actively promoted electric vehicle adoption, with electric cars making up over 65% of new car registrations this year. The government also implemented measures to control dust from construction sites and increased street cleaning, reducing dust levels on roads by 40.7% since 2020.
Despite the progress, Beijing’s air quality still does not meet the World Health Organization’s recommended annual PM2.5 average of 5 micrograms, and smog remains a possibility due to regional pollution and weather conditions.
