China has slashed air pollution, but the 'war' isn't overFifteen years ago, Beijing's Liangma riverbanks would have been smog-choked and deserted in winter, but these days they are dotted with families. Particulate pollution fell 41% nationwide in the decade from 2014, and average life expectancy has increased 1.8 years, according to the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index (AQLI). For the first time, "quantitative air quality improvement goals for key regions within a clear time limit" were set, a 2016 study noted. The policy targeted several key regions, where PM2.5 levels fell rapidly between 2013 and 2017, and the approach was expanded nationwide afterwards. A top environment official last year said China aimed to "basically eliminate severe air pollution by 2025", but the government did not respond when AFP asked if that goal had been met.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2026 16:07 UTC