Factors Behind China’s Pollution Problem

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In The Media

Carnegie China

Factors Behind China’s Pollution Problem

China’s coal-dependent economy, the overabundance of cars in Beijing, and the arid and windy climate are some of the chief causes of air pollution in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.

By Wang Tao

Published on Oct 20, 2013

Source: CCTV News

Carnegie–Tsinghua’s Wang Tao spoke on CCTV News’ China 24 about the multiple causes behind the pollution problems in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Wang listed three factors behind the air pollution: China’s coal-dependent economy, the overabundance of cars in Beijing, and the arid and windy climate.

The importance of industry and economic development to the local government, explained Tao, meant that environmental protection is not a top priority. But Wang called for patience and joint efforts between the government and the public to combat air pollution.

This interview was originally aired on CCTV News.

About the Author

Wang Tao

Former Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy

Wang Tao was a nonresident scholar in the Energy and Climate Program based at the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center for Global Policy.

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