Research Paper on "Causes, Results and Solutions to China's Air Pollution"

Research Paper 7 pages (2155 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

The electricity industry burns the most coal, which is the greatest pollutant, and is therefore the biggest source of outdoor air pollution emissions. Industrial production of cement was the second greatest burner of coal, and transportation and chemicals were the next greatest burners of coal. That outdoor air pollution consists of greenhouse gases, increase in ozone, particulate matter pollution that easily imbeds in the lungs and a frightening, carcinogenic haze chiefly made of industrial and vehicle emissions. China also suffers from indoor air pollution, which also accounts for a number of premature deaths. Many of China's rural households depend on solid fuel for cooking and heating, using crop wastes for 80% of energy and coal for 13% of energy, and creating deadly indoor pollution.

China's air pollution has a number of damaging effects, some of which overlap, and include: approximately 400,000 premature deaths; increased health costs, measured in terms of "willingness-to-pay to avoid death or disabling disease" and totaling approximately 370,000 Yuan or $59,645.67 USD per life; an estimated 3% reduction in China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP); greenhouse gas emissions and secondary pollution such as acid rain, haze and increased ozone affect China's crops, with a projected 37% reduction in national crop yields by 2050; 1/5 of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to the global climate changes and making China one of the world's greatest polluters.

Solutions can be difficult due to the blindness of political leaders who claim that protecting the environment harms employment and the economy. However, environmental experts assert that employment, public health and the economy depend on protecting the environment. Consequently, a number of solutions are being pursued or at least suggested. "Green taxes" on output and fuel in proportion to the damages they cause to the environment, health and the economy can reduce pollution and its damaging effects while providing some economic growth through tax revenues. The nation should also invest in technology creating and enhancing sustainable fuel sources. China has made steps toward this by its end-of-the-pipe approach and its revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Another solution is encouraging and rewarding the use of sustainable through tax reductions, rebates and grants. Finally, on a grander scale, the nation must agree internationally to reduce air pollution and must adhere to those agreements. The United States and China reached an historic agreement in November 2014 to limit greenhouse gasses: though China has not committed to a specific percentage, it pledged to cap its emissions by 2030 and to increase the use of non-fossil fuels. The agreement is important for the U.S., China and for all countries who will contribute to the final global treaty on climate change in Paris in 2015.

Works Cited

Chen, Z., Wang, J.-N., Ma, G.-X., & Zhang, Y.-S. (December 14, 2013). China tackles the health effects of air pollution. The Lancet, 382.9909, 1959-60.

Ho, M., & Nielsen, C.P. (2007). Clearing the air: The health and economic damages of air pollution in China. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

Landler, M. (2014, November 11). U.S. And China reach climate accord after months of talks. Retrieved May 16, 2015 from www.nytimes.com Web site: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/12/world/asia/china-us-xi-obama-apec.html?_r=0

Li, M., & Zhang, L. (2014). Haze in China: Current and future challenges. Environmental Pollution, 189, 85-6.

Matus, K., Nam, K.-M., Selin, N.E., Lamsal, L.N., Reilly, J.M., & Paltsev, S. (February 2012). Health damages from air pollution in China. Global Environmental Change, 22(1), 55-6.

Muldavin, J. (2007, December 19). China's not alone in environmental crisis. The Boston Globe, p. A.23. Retrieved May 16, 2015 from www.boston.com Web site.

Wang, J., Lei, Y., Yang, J., & Yan, G. (2012, April 6). China's air pollution control calls for sustainable strategy for the use of coal. Retrieved May 16, 2015 from pubs.acs.org Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es301226n

Worldwatch Institute. (2015, May 18). China Watch. Retrieved May 16, 2015 from www.worldwatch.org Web… READ MORE

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