Average lifespan in China extends by half a year as PM 2.5 density drops 12 percent

[TaiShang]

Average lifespan in China extends by half a year as PM 2.5 density drops 12 percent

(People's Daily Online) 16:45, January 16, 2019

Blue sky over Beijing. (Photo/Chinanews.com)


The life expectancy of Chinese citizens has been extended by half a year thanks to the remarkable achievements of China’s air pollution control, causing a significant drop in the PM 2.5 density, according to the Air Quality Life Index, recently released in Beijing by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago.

The Index indicates that China’s PM 2.5 density fell by 12 percent between 2013 and 2016, a pollution reduction equivalent to an additional half a year to the average lifespan.

Tianjin, one of the three most polluted Chinese cities in 2013, saw a decline of 14 percent PM 2.5 density in 2016. If this improvement is maintained, 13 million citizens living in the city are expected to see their average lifespan increase by 1.2 years.

Henan, a central province in China, also witnessed improved air quality. Statistics showed that the length of time people are exposed to PM 2.5 in the region is down 20 percent compared with 2013, meaning they could live an average of 1.3 years longer.

Air pollution has continued to be a severe issue for China. In 2010, it caused 1.2 million premature deaths and a reduction of 25 million healthy life years (the number of years that a person is expected to live in a healthy condition).

According to standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the permissible density of PM 2.5 is ten micrograms per cubic meter, while China’s national ambient air quality standard is still more than three times that figure.

Average life expectancy in China could be raised from 76 years to 79 years if the WHO standard is reached, the Index noted.

Robert OKeefe, vice president of the US Health Effects Institute, said that China has responded well to air pollution, bringing substantial public health benefits. Early deaths, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, have already been dramatically reduced.

http://en.people.cn/n3/2019/0116/c90000-9538460.html

 

[Jlaw]

Add oil ( not literally)

India is now the most polluted country in the world and they are still pre-industrial agrarian third world.

Their economy will do bad.150 million Indians on strike. They want communist party in India

 

[Nilgiri]

@waz @Dubious Thread OP isnt even about India, yet trolls are derailing/flamebaiting from the 1st reply itself.

 

[Ray02589]

I was skeptical about China cleaning up its air but they've made remarkable progress without hampering advances in trade and industry. But still long way to go.

 

[TaiShang]

I was skeptical about China cleaning up its air but they've made remarkable progress without hampering advances in trade and industry. But still long way to go.

Definitely so. The war against pollution is far from being won. But the progress made is impressive, and matches historically with the experiences of now developed countries such as Japan when they are in their fast development cycle.

 

[Feng Leng]

Definitely so. The war against pollution is far from being won. But the progress made is impressive, and matches historically with the experiences of now developed countries such as Japan when they are in their fast development cycle.

China is in a significantly worse situation than Japan. You are focusing on environmental degradation that is an opportunity cost of industrial development. There is a whole other category that has nothing to do with opportunity costs and more to do with social attitudes and discipline. For example, littering in public areas. Japan would be light years ahead of China here.

 

[Dubious]

@Jlaw and @Feng Leng The thread is not about "IF INDIA" ...thread is about CHINA'S average life expectancy not if India's economy this and that! Do discuss that!

If your standard of comparing is "IF INDIA", it gives the impression you really think highly of India to be able to count it comparable to China! Or that you fear IF INDIA overtakes China...meaning neither is India down in the slums (coz it can reach heights as all your posts were IF India drops meaning it isnt down) NOR is China stable enough to look forward that it keeps looking over it's shoulder!

Next time stick to the thread instead of airing your insecurity (as you had with your "IF INDIA" discussion)!