Thank you for such an interesting topic, discussing sustainable transportation structures in China. It was fascinating how China aims to tackle its air pollution issues with sustainable transport measures such as subways and new energy vehicles. While I agree these systems are essential in reducing emissions, I wonder if they are enough to solve the air pollution issues plaguing cities like Shanghai, China’s second most polluted city (National Library of Medicine). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shanghai’s AQI (Air Quality Index) average score was 64. After the pandemic, it increased to 70.9, showing a marginal decrease but not a significant one even though there was minimum traffic on the road.
This could be down to various factors, the first being that China relies heavily on coal power stations, with 83% of its energy mix coming from fossil fuels (International Energy Agency). Coal produces not only carbon dioxide but also sulfuric acid, causing acid rain and nitrous oxide, which can cause asthma, lung cancer and neurological problems. Bloomberg reported that Shanghai’s largest coal power station burns 800 tons of coal an hour and is only 10 miles from the city centre, meaning most harmful fumes will flow through the city and affect the 26 million inhabitants (World Population Review).
One of the reasons why Shanghai burns so much coal is to support China’s second-largest automotive manufacturing hub (Car Logos). One of the largest manufacturers in the area is Tesla, the most influential electric car brand in the world, with China being one of its largest consumers. Since 2014, China has promoted the use of electric vehicles by offering Tax incentives to pull buyers away from combustion-engine cars. Whilst EVs (Electric Vehicles) produce no emissions in operation, the energy they consume from the Shanghai grid means more coal is needed to supply the increase in EVs. More energy is required in manufacturing them, raising the question of their genuine sustainability credentials.
Whilst I agree that an investment in public transport will attract people away from their cars and help reduce congestion and emissions. Until a country’s energy mix is primarily either nuclear or renewable, the use of electric cars provides no real benefit to the total emissions of a nation or the air quality of cities which rely heavily on coal.
Bibliography
China’s 7 largest car production cities, Guangzhou (1st) (2023) CarLogos. Available at: https://www.carlogos.org/reviews/largest-car-production-city-in-china.html (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
F, E. (2023) Shanghai Plant Burns 800 tons of coal an hour to keep City Cool, Bloomberg.com. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-15/shanghai-plant-burns-800-tons-of-coal-an-hour-to-keep-city-cool?leadSource=uverify+wall (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Iea (2023) China – countries & regions, IEA. Available at: https://www.iea.org/countries/china (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Shanghai Population (2023) Shanghai population 2023. Available at: https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/shanghai-population (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Stauffer, N.W. (2021) China’s transition to electric vehicles, MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Available at: https://news.mit.edu/2021/chinas-transition-electric-vehicles-0429 (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Thank you for such an interesting topic, discussing sustainable transportation structures in China. It was fascinating how China aims to tackle its air pollution issues with sustainable transport measures such as subways and new energy vehicles. While I agree these systems are essential in reducing emissions, I wonder if they are enough to solve the air pollution issues plaguing cities like Shanghai, China’s second most polluted city (National Library of Medicine). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shanghai’s AQI (Air Quality Index) average score was 64. After the pandemic, it increased to 70.9, showing a marginal decrease but not a significant one even though there was minimum traffic on the road.
This could be down to various factors, the first being that China relies heavily on coal power stations, with 83% of its energy mix coming from fossil fuels (International Energy Agency). Coal produces not only carbon dioxide but also sulfuric acid, causing acid rain and nitrous oxide, which can cause asthma, lung cancer and neurological problems. Bloomberg reported that Shanghai’s largest coal power station burns 800 tons of coal an hour and is only 10 miles from the city centre, meaning most harmful fumes will flow through the city and affect the 26 million inhabitants (World Population Review).
One of the reasons why Shanghai burns so much coal is to support China’s second-largest automotive manufacturing hub (Car Logos). One of the largest manufacturers in the area is Tesla, the most influential electric car brand in the world, with China being one of its largest consumers. Since 2014, China has promoted the use of electric vehicles by offering Tax incentives to pull buyers away from combustion-engine cars. Whilst EVs (Electric Vehicles) produce no emissions in operation, the energy they consume from the Shanghai grid means more coal is needed to supply the increase in EVs. More energy is required in manufacturing them, raising the question of their genuine sustainability credentials.
Whilst I agree that an investment in public transport will attract people away from their cars and help reduce congestion and emissions. Until a country’s energy mix is primarily either nuclear or renewable, the use of electric cars provides no real benefit to the total emissions of a nation or the air quality of cities which rely heavily on coal.
Bibliography
China’s 7 largest car production cities, Guangzhou (1st) (2023) CarLogos. Available at: https://www.carlogos.org/reviews/largest-car-production-city-in-china.html (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
F, E. (2023) Shanghai Plant Burns 800 tons of coal an hour to keep City Cool, Bloomberg.com. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-15/shanghai-plant-burns-800-tons-of-coal-an-hour-to-keep-city-cool?leadSource=uverify+wall (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Iea (2023) China – countries & regions, IEA. Available at: https://www.iea.org/countries/china (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Shanghai Population (2023) Shanghai population 2023. Available at: https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/shanghai-population (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
Stauffer, N.W. (2021) China’s transition to electric vehicles, MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Available at: https://news.mit.edu/2021/chinas-transition-electric-vehicles-0429 (Accessed: 13 November 2023).
I appreciate this blog which explores intriguing topic of China’s progress of sustainable urban transportation infrastructure. China’s progress of sustainable urban transport while highlighting a behavioural viewpoint . It draws attention to the nation’s initiatives to solve environmental problems by supporting environmentally friendly modes of transportation like electric cars and effective public transportation.
Understanding the behavioural elements driving the adoption of sustainable transportation practices is the main goal, taking into account individual attitudes, public awareness, and governmental policies.
China has made significant investments in creating effective public transport systems, such as building high-speed rail lines to connect key cities and growing metro systems in Beijing and Shanghai . With dependable substitutes for private vehicles, these programmes seek to lessen sir pollution, travel times, and traffic congestion .
The government promotes the use of electric vehicles through subsidies and the construction of charging infrastructure, with a primary focus on sustainability. In keeping with China’s commitment to cleaner air quality , stricter laws on vehicle emissions standards and initiatives to increase fuel efficiency contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.
Examining different tactics like adopting electric vehicles, integrating technology , building infrastructure for cycling, and promoting public transit is part of the analysis of sustainable transportation strategies. To create an eco-friendly and efficient transportation system, the objective is to evaluate the possible effects, obstacles, and efficacy of these solutions.
In conclusion , China’s dedication to ensuring sustainability and optimising urban transportation structure is indicative of its development goals for the future . A more eco-friendly and effective transport network that can accommodate the nation’s expanding population is being built thanks to the actions taken, which includes investments and regulatory measures. Reading the entire essay is advised for a through understanding .
References
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42524-021-0162-4