China has cut air pollution but the effort is not over

Beijing's PM2.5 levels have fallen about 69.8% since 2013 and nationwide particulate pollution fell 41% in the decade from 2014, yet many Chinese cities still exceed World Health Organization limits.

Beijing's riverside parks are now frequented by families and older residents after years of heavy smog. That change follows a government-led campaign since 2013 that included moving factories, curbing coal use and promoting vehicle electrification. Official and research figures report large falls in particulate pollution and modest gains in average life expectancy. Still, many urban areas continue to record particle levels above international health guidelines. Key facts: - Beijing municipality said PM2.5 levels have fallen about 69.8% since 2013. - Particulate pollution reportedly fell 41% nationwide in the decade from 2014, and the Air Quality Life Index estimated a 1.8-year increase in average life expectancy. - In 2013 the government issued a ten-point action plan described as a "war against pollution," which expanded monitoring, upgraded factory technology, and led to closures or relocations of coal plants and mines. - Official 2025 data showed nationwide average PM2.5 decreased 4.4% year-on-year and that 88% of days met China's "good" standard, defined as under 35 micrograms per cubic metre, compared with the WHO's recommended 5 micrograms per cubic metre. - Researchers say reductions have slowed over the past five years and that some pollution has shifted westward as heavy industry relocates, with increases reported in some cities. - The article notes coal generation fell in 2025 and that Chinese authorities plan to tighten the national "good" standard to 25 micrograms per cubic metre by 2035. Summary: China's sustained policy push has produced large reductions in particulate pollution and reported public-health improvements, though many cities still exceed WHO guidelines. Recent years show slower gains and a geographic shift of polluting activity; authorities have signalled plans to tighten national air quality standards, while the outcome of the 2025 goal to "basically eliminate severe air pollution" was not confirmed in the reporting.