Air pollution in Shanghai is way down in the last few years.
To better visualize the data, take a look at our Air Pollution in Shanghai Infographic with statistics up to 2016.
For air pollution in Shanghai today please see the real-time AQI (Air quality index) in the right side column of this website.
More Shanghai air quality articles:
Air Pollution in Shanghai 2006-2016
Although data for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Shanghai only began to be published in 2013, a report in the China Daily on January 9th, 2012 stated that “The average annual density of PM2.5 in Shanghai was 44 to 53 micrograms a cu from 2006 to 2010.”
By 2013, the average annual density of PM2.5 in Shanghai had increased to 62 ug/m3.
Fortunately, after many strict measures were implemented by local authorities, the average annual PM2.5 density in 2016 reduced to 45 ug/m3. This was a 15% reduction from 2015 (53 ug/m3) and a 27% reduction from 2013.
Protect Yourself
Despite the big improvement in air quality, we still experience days when the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 200, denoting unhealthy air quality. Most such days in Shanghai come during the winter months.
For expats in Shanghai, therefore, it is still important to make use of various air pollution solutions to protect yourself.
Shanghai Air Quality Target
The Airborne Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013-17) released in September 2013 by China’s Environmental Protection Ministry, and further legislated locally in the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan (2013-17), required Shanghai to reduce its annual average PM2.5 concentration by 20% from the base year of 2012 by 2017.
This target of 48 ug/m3 for 2017 was already surpassed by more than 6% in 2016.
In January 2016 the Shanghai People’s Congress unveiled a stricter goal for reducing annual average PM2.5 density to 42 ug/m3 by 2020.
This, however, means only a 6.7% reduction over 4 years. Not a very ambitious target!
Healthy Air in Shanghai – A Long Way to Go
The 2017 air quality target for Shanghai did not meet China’s own standard for healthy air, let alone the more strict standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Air Quality Standards
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
Air quality standard released in 2005
Maximum 24-hour PM 2.5 exposure: 25 ug/m3
Maximum annual average exposure: 10 ug/m3. – - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Air quality standard released in 2012
Maximum 24-hour PM 2.5 exposure: 35 ug/m3
Maximum annual average exposure: 12 ug/m3 - China National Standard
National Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095-2012)
Maximum 24-hour PM 2.5 exposure: 75 ug/m3
Maximum annual average exposure: 35 ug/m3
The Cause of Air Pollution in Shanghai
You can see the various sources of air pollution in Shanghai in our infographic above.
Pollution Generated From Export Industry
A significant percentage of China’s air pollution is produced during the production of consumer goods for export.
In the August 10, 2013 edition of The Economist magazine it was reported that “About a quarter of China’s carbon emissions is produced making goods for export.”
Another report stated that emissions from ships in Shanghai accounted for between 8-10% of Shanghai’s atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Many of these ships are loading up consumer goods for export to Western countries.
Domestic Consumption a Growing Source of Pollution
As Chinese incomes rise, however, domestic consumption is becoming a much larger contributor to air pollution in China.
In early January 2017, China’s Minister of environmental protection, Chen Jining, remarked during a press conference that detailed analysis showed emissions from automobiles have become the primary source of urban atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) in major cities. This analysis showed that auto emissions accounted for 31.3 percent of PM2.5 in Beijing, and 29.2 percent in Shanghai.
Air Pollution Blown in from North China
About 20% of Shanghai smog is caused by pollution blown in from other provinces. Most of this arrives during the winter months, when the wind direction blows mainly from the North.
During the summer months, when Shanghai air quality is at its best, the wind blows mainly from the South East, off the ocean.
Government efforts in the North of China to tackle smog, therefore, are critical to reducing air pollution in Shanghai, especially during the winter months.
Plans are well underway to reduce the main culprit of Northern China’s winter air pollution; coal burning for winter heating systems, by switching to natural gas and other cleaner energy sources.
Shanghai Air Pollution Forecast
In 2015 Shanghai authorities began to issue a 2-day air pollution forecast. By 2017 they had extended this forecast to five days.
Some China apps for air quality include 7-day air pollution forecasts for Shanghai.