By Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian
Beijing was once notorious for its “airpocalypses,” with smog so severe schools shut down. But since 2013, pollution levels in China’s capital city have fallen by about half, according to a new report published by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago.
Why it matters: The improved air quality will add about four years of life expectancy for Beijing residents, who have suffered from high rates of respiratory illness because of poor air quality.
Yes, but: Beijing’s air is still three times more polluted than Los Angeles’, one of America’s most polluted cities. There’s more work to do.
Areas of Focus: Environment, Air Pollution, AQLI, , Air Pollution
Definition
Environment
Producing and using energy damages people’s health and the environment. EPIC research is quantifying the social costs of energy choices and uncovering policies that help protect health while facilitating growth.
Definition
Air Pollution
Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. EPIC research is using real-world data to calculate the effects of air pollution on human health...
Definition
AQLI
Particulate air pollution is one of the most serious risks to human health globally. To help communicate those risks, the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) converts particulate air pollution into...
Definition
Definition
Air Pollution
Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. EPIC research is using real-world data to calculate the effects of air pollution on human health...