China: environment

How good is air quality in China?

Air quality was good on 97.3% of days on average in China's 339 prefecture-level and larger cities in August 2026, 1.7 points more than a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's monthly air quality report. Average PM2.5 concentration was 14.2 micrograms per cubic metre, up 2.2%.

Ozone was the most common main pollutant on days that exceeded standards. Air quality varies with the seasons, so a single month is best compared with the same month a year earlier.

Official sources: MEE: National urban air quality report, August 2026 (Chinese)

What are China's air quality standards?

China's new ambient air quality standard, GB 3095—2026, sets an annual limit for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of 25 micrograms per cubic metre (second-class limit) from 1 January 2031, with a transitional limit of 30 until the end of 2030, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's August 2026 air quality report.

The standard also sets limits for PM10, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. Stricter first-class limits are also set, including 10 micrograms for annual PM2.5. The ministry's monthly reports are now assessed against the new standard.

Official sources: MEE: National urban air quality report, August 2026 (Chinese)

How much greenhouse gas does China emit?

China emitted 15,536 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to the World Bank's greenhouse gas emissions indicator. That was up from 15,412 million tonnes in 2023 and 14,857 million in 2022.

The figures are in carbon dioxide equivalent and cover carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. The World Bank series is compiled from international emissions databases, so it can differ from national inventory figures.

Official sources: World Bank: Total greenhouse gas emissions, China

How is China's electricity generated?

China's larger power plants generated 943.8 billion kWh of electricity in August 2026, 0.8% less than a year earlier, according to the NBS energy production release of 16 September 2026. Thermal power fell 4.3%, while solar rose 10.3%, nuclear 9.4%, wind 7.9% and hydropower 2.8%.

From January to August, generation was 6,647.6 billion kWh, up 2.4%. The figures cover industrial enterprises with annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan, so smaller producers are not included. Installed capacity is reported by the National Energy Administration.

Official sources: NBS: Energy production in August 2026

How much coal does China produce?

China's larger industrial firms produced 360 million tonnes of raw coal in August 2026, 7.7% less than a year earlier, according to the NBS energy production release of 16 September 2026. From January to August, production was 3.06 billion tonnes, down 3.3%.

Crude oil output was 146.39 million tonnes in the first eight months, up 0.9%, and natural gas 175.7 billion cubic metres, up 1.1%. Coal is mainly used for power generation and industry. Lower coal output this year came as thermal power generation fell.

Official sources: NBS: Energy production in August 2026

How much of China is covered by forest?

Forests covered 24.0% of China's land area in 2024, according to the World Bank's forest area indicator, up from 23.9% in 2023 and 23.7% in 2022.

The data come from the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment, which counts land of more than half a hectare with trees above 5 metres and canopy cover above 10%. The share includes planted forests as well as natural forests. Changes of a few tenths of a point a year reflect both new planting and forest losses.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area (% of land area), China

What is China's carbon footprint per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 9.3 tonnes. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1 tonnes, and China placed 6th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 19th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does China emit?

15,536 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in China for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and China placed 1st highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 1st of 186.

How much renewable energy does China use?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in China was 15.2%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11.3% (2011) to 17.4% (2005). East Asia & Pacific median: 14.9%; China is 15th highest of 30. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 121st highest.

What is China's forest cover?

24.0%: that is forest area as a share of land in China for 2024, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.6%, and China placed 24th highest of 29. Worldwide: 112th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in China?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 32.0 micrograms per cubic metre. Since 2005 it has ranged from 31.9 micrograms per cubic metre (2022) to 52.7 micrograms per cubic metre (2011). It is 3rd highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 43rd highest.

How much of China is in national parks and reserves?

15.6%: that is the share of land in protected areas in China for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2013. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 15.8%, and China placed 16th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 112th of 192.

What is water stress in China?

In 2022, water stress in China was 41.5%, according to the FAO. Its high point since 2005 was 2016, at 44.1%; its low point was 2005, at 40.5%. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 13.1%, and China placed 2nd highest of 20. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 42nd highest.