Over the past decade, the Chinese capital has achieved a dramatic reduction in air pollution, cutting PM2.5 levels by 64%, nitrogen dioxide by 54%, and sulphur dioxide by 89% since 2013, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. This transformation has turned Beijing from one of the most polluted cities in the world into a global model for air quality improvement, boasting over 300 “good air days” in 2023 compared to just 13 in 2013.
The United Nations lauded Beijing’s progress, emphasizing that no city has achieved such a rapid and comprehensive shift. As many nations draw inspiration from Beijing’s initiatives, neighboring Pakistan, grappling with severe air pollution, could benefit from adopting similar strategies.
In November, Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, faced hazardous smog levels, peaking on November 14 when the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit an alarming 1,110. The concentration of PM2.5 particles surged to 632 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly above safe limits. These conditions have raised serious health concerns for Lahore’s residents.
The pollution crisis has been exacerbated by widespread stubble burning, a practice in which farmers burn crop residues to prepare fields for the next planting season. Combined with unfavorable weather conditions, this has intensified the smog, with authorities reporting thousands of fire incidents across Punjab.
While local authorities have pledged to tackle the smog, Beijing’s strategies offer actionable insights. Beijing’s success is rooted in a high-density air-quality monitoring system comprising 1,500 PM2.5 sensors, high-resolution satellite imagery, and laser radar technology. Additionally, the city:
- Enforced strict emission controls on coal-fired power plants.
- Phased out older, polluting vehicles.
- Expanded public transportation systems.
Remarkably, these measures did not hinder economic growth, as Beijing’s GDP grew by 6.8% annually during this period.
For Lahore and other affected cities in Pakistan, adopting Beijing’s proven approach could offer a viable pathway to reducing smog and safeguarding public health while maintaining economic development.
