为什么要修订《环境空气质量标准》？｜《环境空气质量标准》与配套技术规范修订系列解读①

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment is seeking public opinion on the revised "Ambient Air Quality Standards" (GB 3095—2012) and its accompanying technical specifications, highlighting the need for updates to improve public health and align with international standards [1][3][5] Group 1: Achievements of Current Standards - The implementation of the current "Ambient Air Quality Standards" has significantly improved air quality in China, reducing the annual average concentration of PM2.5 from 46 micrograms per cubic meter to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 36% [2] - Major pollutants such as PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO have also seen reductions exceeding 25%, with SO2 dropping by 65% from 23 micrograms per cubic meter to 8 micrograms per cubic meter [2] - By 2024, 222 cities, or 65.5% of all cities, will meet air quality standards, marking a historical high [2] Group 2: Reasons for Revising Standards - The revision aims to further protect public health, as studies indicate significant health risks associated with PM2.5 and other pollutants, necessitating updated standards to mitigate these risks [3] - The revision supports the goals of the "Beautiful China" initiative, which aims to reduce the national average PM2.5 concentration to below 28 micrograms per cubic meter by 2027 and below 25 micrograms per cubic meter by 2035 [3] - The current PM2.5 secondary limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter is relatively lenient compared to international standards, indicating a need for alignment with global air quality benchmarks [4]