China was once nicknamed the “Empire of Bicycles” due to the widespread practice of bicycling in this densely populated country. There was a time when a bicycle, along with a wristwatch and a sewing machine, was one of the favorite “three rotations” of every Chinese household.
However, the country has faced many challenges since the transition from bicycles to automobiles and other combustion engines. This change has created complex problems for the environment, society and economy. Beijing is particularly known for its poor air quality and excessive smog.
With the rapidly increasing population, high vehicle numbers and economic expansion, there is so much pressure on the ecology of Beijing.
Despite these obstacles, Beijing has significantly improved its air quality in recent years, serving as a model for other cities facing comparable problems, particularly in South Asia.
As China emerged as the world’s largest automobile producer and consumer, it struggled with the harmful effects of rising oil consumption, but now China’s skies are clearer, and its air quality has significantly improved. .
According to the World Economic Forum, the Chinese capital has cut fine particle pollution by 64% and sulfur dioxide by 89% since 2013 – now other cities are following suit.
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according to a UN report, Beijing has implemented a “coal-to-gas” policy since 2005 and has reduced coal combustion by about 11 million tons by 2017. High efficiency terminal treatment facilities were continuously renovated, and ultralow emission standards were implemented during this period.
Vehicle pollution prevention and control has long been an important task in Beijing’s air pollution control. Focusing on new vehicles, used vehicles and fuel quality, Beijing has implemented a series of local emissions standards and comprehensive control measures, as well as continuously strengthened traffic management and economic incentives.
Although the number of vehicles in Beijing tripled during the past two decades, total pollutant emissions declined significantly.
