Environmental Problems in China

As pointed out in the Introduction, there are four aspects of the energy-environment problem, namely (1) air pollution, (2) water pollution, (3) the emission of CO₂ in the atmosphere that causes global warming, mainly from the burning of coal, and (4) shortage of future energy supply that relies on exhaustible resources. Environmental pollution from coal combustion is damaging human health, air and water quality, agriculture and ultimately the economy. China is facing all four problems.

2.1 Air Pollution

The air and water in China, especially in the urban areas, are among the most polluted in the world. According to a report of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998, of the ten most polluted cities in the world, seven can be found in China. Sulfur dioxide and soot caused by coal combustion are two major air pollutants, resulting in the formation of acid rain, which now falls on about 30% of China's total land area. Industrial boilers and furnaces consume almost half of China's coal and are the largest sources of urban air pollution. The burning of coal for cooking and heating in many cities accounts for the rest. 

Another major source of air pollution is the use of oil and gasoline in the transportation sector, especially the emission from automobiles and jet engines. As the country becomes industrialized, pollution from both industrial and consumer sources will increase because of higher levels of output and consumption, the latter including the increase in the use of automobiles and in air travel, unless pollution per unit of output or consumption can be reduced. See Committee on Energy Futures and Air Pollution in Urban China, et. al. (2007) for more information on the state of and policies for urban air pollution in China.

2.2 Water Pollution

Mercury released into the air by coal-fired power plants is captured by raindrops, and transferred to the soil, surface water and groundwater. Surface water affects the fish consumed. Groundwater is polluted by runoff from factories, smelters and mining operations, and then used by farmers downstream to irrigate their crops. Heavy use of fertilizers has contributed to contamination also. Fertilizers in China often contain high levels of metals, especially cadmium, which is harmful.