Beijing's fourth PM2.5 source analysis shows higher regional contribution

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Beijing on Friday released the fourth-round source analysis results of PM2.5, which showed an increase in the contribution of regional transport.

Unveiled at a Beijing forum on clean air and climate action, this round of analysis was conducted by the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and other partner institutions.

Shen Xiu'e, head of the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, noted that Beijing's air quality has continued to see improvements thanks to years of efforts, with atmospheric pollution control entering a new stage.

According to the analysis results, while both regional and local areas have achieved significant emission reductions, the relative contribution of PM2.5 sources in Beijing has undergone changes -- regional transport now accounts for 57 percent of the total, while local emissions make up 43 percent.

Compared with 2020, the proportion of regional transport has increased by more than 10 percent. In terms of local sources, mobile sources and residential emissions now account for a larger share compared to 2020, further highlighting Beijing's distinctive pollution profile as a mega-international metropolis, the results said.

Chai Fahe, chief scientist at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, pointed out that coordinated prevention, control, and treatment now play an increasingly vital role in improving the overall air quality of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Multiple measures should be utilized to reduce pollutant emissions in Beijing and its surrounding areas, ensuring continuous improvements in air quality.

"For example, we should persistently optimize the industrial structure, energy mix, and transportation system," Chai said. "At the same time, against the backdrop of coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, we need to develop new quality productive forces and optimize the layout of traditional industries."

Since 2013, the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau has conducted four rounds of PM2.5 source analysis studies, with the findings of the first three rounds released in 2014, 2018, and 2021, respectively. The results of each study have helped identify key focus areas for Beijing's air pollution control at different stages, supporting the continuous improvements of its air quality. ■