China has made environmental progress in 2024

China has made environmental progress in 2024, with reduced air pollution, improved water quality, and significant emission-reduction efforts.

China has made steady progress in environmental protection despite facing challenges in balancing economic recovery, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The ministry highlighted the country’s consistent efforts over the past year to improve air and water quality.

In 2024, the average PM2.5 density in 339 major cities was 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. This marks five consecutive years that the pollutant levels have remained below China’s interim national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

The proportion of days with “fairly good” air quality, defined as below 100 on the air quality index, reached 87.2% last year, reflecting a 1.7% increase from 2023. This improvement is attributed to various initiatives the ministry has implemented to ensure better air quality.

Approximately 2 million rural households in northern China switched from coal to alternative heating methods last year. Additionally, about 80% of the country’s crude steel production capacity has undergone major emission-reducing transformations or upgrades.

China also reported significant improvements in surface water quality. In 2024, 90.4% of the country’s surface water was classified as “fairly good” quality, surpassing 90% for the first time. This reflects a 1% increase from 2023.

Black and odorous water bodies in urban areas have essentially been eliminated, and 80% of severely polluted water bodies in county seats have been treated. The ministry emphasized these efforts as part of the country’s broader environmental goals.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is committed to advancing the “Beautiful China” initiative with additional measures. In 2025, it aims to deepen reforms and push forward the concept of ecological civilization, promoting sustainable development and harmony between humans and nature.

The ministry also intends to focus on environmental technological innovation and strengthen the national environmental monitoring system to further enhance China’s environmental protection efforts.