我国空气质量标准修订符合国情、体现决心

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China has released a draft for revised air quality standards, tightening the limits for PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations to better protect public health while considering national conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Air Quality Standards - The proposed secondary limits for PM2.5 annual and daily concentrations are tightened from 35 and 75 micrograms per cubic meter to 25 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively [1]. - The secondary limits for PM10 annual and daily concentrations are also tightened from 70 and 150 micrograms per cubic meter to 50 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter [1]. - The limits for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are also being tightened due to their health impacts and their role in the secondary formation of PM2.5 [1]. Group 2: Comparison with International Standards - Other countries and regions, such as the United States, have also revised their PM2.5 limits, with the U.S. EPA tightening the annual average from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter by 2024 [1]. - Despite these international standards, the proposed limits in China are still considered relatively lenient compared to the strictest global standards [1]. Group 3: National Context and Development - China's reliance on coal and its status as a manufacturing powerhouse, contributing nearly 30% to global manufacturing value, necessitate higher emissions of air pollutants [2]. - The expected economic development trajectory suggests that by 2035, China will reach a level comparable to that of medium-developed countries, which typically have PM2.5 limits around 25 micrograms per cubic meter [2]. - The revision of standards reflects China's commitment to improving environmental quality and public health while aligning with its development goals [2].