China’s commitment to environmental sustainability yielded significant results in 2023, as air and water quality showed marked improvement across the nation. According to data released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on Thursday, concerted anti-pollution measures and substantial investments in green development have paid dividends.
In a comprehensive assessment of 339 cities at and above the prefecture level, the average concentration of PM2.5 particles—a key indicator of air pollution—dropped to 30 micrograms per cubic meter. This achievement not only surpasses the annual target of 32.9 micrograms per cubic meter but also reflects a 16.7 percent reduction from 2019 levels.
The ministry reported that these cities enjoyed good air quality on 85.5 percent of days throughout the year. This improvement underscores China’s ongoing efforts to combat air pollution and enhance the health and well-being of its residents.
Water quality also experienced positive strides. The data indicated that 89.4 percent of monitored waterways attained surface water quality at or above Grade III, as per the country’s five-tier water quality system. This marks a 1.5 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the proportion of surface water categorized below Grade V—the lowest quality—remained steady at 0.7 percent, suggesting that efforts to prevent deterioration in water bodies are bearing fruit.
These environmental gains highlight China’s dedication to fostering a harmonious relationship between economic development and ecological preservation. The continued focus on sustainable practices and pollution control measures not only benefits the environment but also sets a precedent for responsible growth.
As China progresses towards its environmental goals, the steady improvement in air and water quality serves as a testament to what can be achieved through unified action and strategic investment in sustainability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
