Pollution

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

China pushes back heavy industry from some regions
China wants to ban the relocation of companies in the steel, cement and glass sectors as well as oil refineries and coking plants in certain regions. Regions that are already heavily polluted are thus not to be further burdened. This is the result of a new plan published at the end of last week. The […] continue reading →
Saving the climate: methane shifts into focus
China is unable to deal with its methane emissions. The country's coal sector in particular emits enormous amounts of this gas, which is even more harmful to the climate than CO2. Politicians currently have other priorities than tackling this problem. Yet, by managing the gas more efficiently, plants could even use it as an additional source of energy. continue reading →
Dirty air before Olympics
The Coronavirus has long been considered the main threat to the Beijing Winter Olympics. Now a well-known problem has been added: air pollution in the Chinese capital. Thick smog has hung over Beijing for days; particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceed 200 micrograms per cubic meter. The WHO recommends a level of 5 or less. Now, […] continue reading →
Second year of China’s emissions trading
China's emissions trading system enters its second calendar year. Virtually all participating power companies have met the requirements by the end of 2021. However, the system does not yet provide sufficient incentives for reducing emissions. But the entry into CO2 pricing has been achieved. The next step will be to include other industries – beyond the energy sector. continue reading →
China declares war on pollution
China’s State Council and Central Committee have issued new guidelines for the “fight against pollution”. Not only is the goal to reduce CO2 emissions, but air and water pollution as well. Regions such as Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei are to reduce coal use by ten percent by 2025, and the Yangtze River Delta is to […] continue reading →
Fighting “white pollution” with bioplastics
China has a plastic problem. Trash is everywhere, and a modern waste and recycling management system are only just in the works. Beijing wants to counteract this issue with bioplastics. Huge production capacities are planned. However, the benefits of bioplastics without industrial composting are limited, and there is the added problem of a lack of facilities. continue reading →
Beijing wants to put a price tag on the environment
China wants to put a price tag on the environment. The idea behind it: If nature has a financial value, it is more likely to be protected. This not only has consequences for companies able to gain points for their environmental score, similar to the social credit system. But for the careers of Chinese officials, the preservation of "ecological goods" could also soon become just as important as economic growth – one of their responsibilities. continue reading →
One in two companies violate Chinese environmental regulations
On average, one in two companies assessed by environmental inspectors in China has numerous air pollution problems. The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated it inspected nearly 1,600 companies in environmentally intensive key industries such as steel, chemicals and construction materials in May. The report found more than 1,900 air pollution violations at nearly 900 companies. […] continue reading →
With QR Code against the Garbage Problem
China's cities are faced with rapidly growing mountains of waste. Intelligently monitored waste collection points are to increase the currently still low recycling rate in the future. Those who do not separate waste properly lose bonus points. The amount of waste in China is increasing dramatically, but per capita it is only a third of what Americans produce. German companies are also benefiting. continue reading →