He Kebin is a professor at the School of Environment and Dean of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and a long-standing council member of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). He is also a board member of Energy Foundation China and the Deputy Director of China’s National Committee of Experts on Ecology and Environment.
Within CCICED, Kebin co-leads the council’s research project on the reduction of pollution and carbon emissions: the Special Policy Study (SPS) on Collaborative Mechanism for Carbon Reduction, Pollution Reduction, Green Expansion and Growth.
What is the relationship between reducing pollution and carbon emissions, and why does it make sense to address these two issues together?
“Greenhouse gases and air pollutants share common sources, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels. By addressing climate change and air pollution together, we can benefit from synergies in terms of scientific mechanisms, target indicators, and response measures. From a scientific perspective, greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, which in turn affects meteorological factors, such as temperature, radiation, precipitation, and wind speed. This influences the formation and dissemination of pollutants. Moreover, climate change can alter natural emission sources, including vegetation, dust, and wildfires, further impacting air pollution levels.”
Can you elaborate on the pollution and carbon emission targets and measures to reach them?
“China aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The current annual average fine particulate matter air quality standard is 35 micrograms per cubic metre, which will be gradually tightened to align with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. China aims for a fundamental improvement in ecological and environmental quality by 2035 and a ‘comprehensive advancement of an ecological civilization’ by mid-century.
In terms of response measures, reducing fossil fuel consumption can reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants at the same time. Adjustments of energy structures and the promotion of clean energy technologies can achieve both pollution control and carbon reduction objectives.”
“Reducing fossil fuel consumption can reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants at the same time. Adjustments of energy structures and the promotion of clean energy technologies can achieve both pollution-control and carbon reduction objectives”
What progress has China made on reducing air pollution and carbon emissions over the past 5 years, and what are the key challenges ahead?
“Over the past 5 years, China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. In 2022, the concentration of atmospheric pollutants nationwide and in key regions decreased compared to 2021. For example, the annual average concentration of fine particulate matter in 339 cities was 29 micrograms per cubic metre, a 36% reduction from 2015. Two hundred and fifty-three cities had an annual average fine particulate matter concentration below the national limit, a 139% increase from 2015.
However, challenges remain. Ozone concentrations are on the rise. Although sulfur and nitrogen concentrations have significantly decreased nationwide, pollution problems in some key regions remain severe. Achieving the added value of addressing pollution and carbon reduction at the urban level requires more measures, particularly in the heavy industry and transportation sectors. Structural adjustments and technological upgrades will be crucial in the future.”
In your view, what are the keys for China to tackle these challenges effectively?
“The key to addressing these challenges lies in optimizing the pollution and carbon reduction synergies. Specifically, this can be done through what I call temporal and spatial coordination, process synergy, regional collaboration, and deep decarbonization.
‘Temporal and spatial coordination’ means prioritizing suitable technologies and measures based on the conditions of different regions and time periods. ‘Process synergy’ is about promoting the efficient use of coal and increasing the proportion of non-fossil energy sources to build a new power system centred around clean energy.
On ‘regional collaboration,’ it is essential to improve vehicle emission standards and guide key industries to areas with sufficient environmental capacity.
With ‘deep decarbonization,’ I refer to accelerating energy-saving transformations and deep pollution treatment in key industries, which is crucial. This can be achieved through technological innovation and structural adjustments and controlling pollutants and carbon emissions in a synergized manner, thereby achieving a win–win situation between environmental quality and economic development.”
“With 78% of its petroleum products and crude oil and 40% of its natural gas currently imported, China can enhance its energy security and reduce dependence on foreign oil and gas through industrial heat electrification.”
How does the progress made, particularly in relation to policies introduced, and the upcoming challenges correlate with the work of your SPS?
“Our SPS plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s carbon and pollution reduction goals. We coordinate policy packages related to carbon peaking, carbon neutrality, and air pollution control. We promote policies, measures, and technologies that simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants across key sectors such as power, construction, transportation, and industry.
The policy recommendations from our research provide technical support for ways to reduce carbon, reduce pollution, and stimulate green expansion and growth in China.
The SPS closely aligns with current policy trends. Since the start of China’s current 14th Five-Year Plan, it has emphasized an eco-civilization strategy focused on carbon reduction—integrating carbon peaking and carbon neutrality into its overall framework. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has also issued multiple guidelines to incorporate these requirements into environmental impact assessments and eco-industrial demonstration parks.
In July 2023, at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection, China’s President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of a coordinated governance approach. This requires a systematic and holistic perspective, strengthening the coordination of goals, multi-pollutant controls, departmental efforts, regional actions, and policies.”
“Greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, which in turn affects meteorological factors, such as temperature, radiation, precipitation, and wind speed.”
What is your CCICED study focusing on for this research year?
“In 2022, we initiated a 5-year research plan: this year marks the second year of its implementation, building upon the work from last year.
First, we are exploring the relationship between emission reduction and economic growth. This year, we will concentrate on the obstacles and countermeasures for China’s green growth. By analyzing global emission reduction models, opportunities, and risks, we aim to provide relevant recommendations for China.
Second, on carbon and pollution reduction synergies, we are focusing on the progress of China’s air quality standards, ways for controlling air pollution and carbon emissions at their sources, and with assessing decarbonization potential.
Third, regarding carbon and pollution reduction in the power sector, we are studying international experiences in carbon management within power systems, analyzing trends and driving forces in China’s power demand growth, and exploring ways for China’s power sector to develop in line with the dual requirements of controlling both carbon and pollutants.
Fourth, in the industrial sector, our focus this year is on the electrification of industrial heating. This includes examining the demand for industrial heating in China, the benefits of electrification, industrial heat pump technology, thermal battery technology, as well as conducting economic comparisons.
Last, concerning the development and enforcement of carbon and pollution reduction rules, we explore how environmental inspections, legislation, judiciary, and enforcement can be best coordinated.”
The focus on electrification of industrial heating is particularly interesting. How far has China come in this process?
“This part of the research has been primarily conducted by our international expert team from Energy Innovation.
China’s electrification of industrial heat offers significant benefits, including on cost and energy efficiency. The technology is relatively mature and easy to implement. Industrial heat electrification can significantly reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, aligning well with China’s dual goals of carbon and pollution reduction.
With 78% of its petroleum products and crude oil and 40% of its natural gas currently imported, China can enhance its energy security and reduce dependence on foreign oil and gas through industrial heat electrification.
The majority of China’s manufacturing heat demand is concentrated in four industries: ferrous metals (metals where iron is the main component), nonferrous minerals, chemicals, and oil refining and coking, which account for approximately 90% of the industrial heat demand.
By adopting technologies such as industrial heat pumps and thermal batteries, most of the demand can be met. Industrial heat pumps can achieve efficiencies 200%–500% higher than electric heating, significantly reducing energy consumption, while thermal batteries can provide temperatures up to 1,700°C, meeting more than two-thirds of China’s industrial heat needs.
However, challenges remain for industrial heat electrification in China. The price difference between electricity and fossil fuels (especially coal) currently places electrification at a cost disadvantage. Also, the current limited availability of electrified industrial equipment restricts more widespread adoption of electrification technologies.
The power sector still needs to transition to zero-carbon sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear power to achieve genuinely low or zero carbon emissions.”
There is also an economic growth aspect to your research. How can pollution and carbon reduction act as drivers for green growth, and what potential conflicts exist in this linkage?
“Earlier this year, China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to accelerate the development of ‘New Quality Productive Forces.’ He stressed that the foundation of these ‘productive forces’ is green development.
By using ‘carbon reduction’ as a strategic lever, we can foster a mutually reinforcing relationship between the environment and development, achieving a win–win situation for ecological protection and economic development.
However, the green transition also faces challenges and tensions: between clean energy development and energy security; between traditional high-pollution, high-energy-consuming industries and green transformation; and between short-term economic interests and long-term sustainable development.
Our SPS is aimed at addressing these tensions through systematic research and policy design, showing how to coordinate actions on carbon reduction, pollution reduction, green expansion, and growth objectives.”
Tackling air pollution arguably receives less high-level international attention compared to addressing climate change and environmental protection. Do you agree that’s the case, and if so, what implications does it have for effective global action in this area?
“Air pollution control remains a significant concern for the international community, as reflected in discussions at COP 28 and the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). However, because developed countries have largely resolved their air pollution issues, their focus has shifted more toward carbon emissions. In contrast, developing countries like China and India continue to face the dual challenge of air pollution and carbon emissions. This disparity in focus can lead to an imbalance in the allocation of global resources and policies, which could undermine the effectiveness of air pollution control efforts worldwide.
A coordinated approach to reducing carbon emissions and controlling pollution, such as the one China is following, is crucial. For example, Beijing’s experience in air pollution control from 1998 to 2013, particularly its successful vehicle emission measures, has been praised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Maruma Mrema stated, ‘Beijing has become one of the most successful cases of urban air quality improvement globally.’ By sharing experiences and practices on the international stage, China can elevate the global awareness of air pollution issues and help the implementation of more effective pollution control measures.”
Finally, what role do you see for CCICED in your research area and in the sustainable development space in general?
“I believe that CCICED has played a crucial role, particularly through its annual SPS projects. As a high-level think tank, CCICED’s research and recommendations have directly influenced China’s environmental policy-making, helping to create more scientific and effective policies.
In terms of international cooperation, CCICED has brought together experts and scholars from around the world, fostering international collaboration and exchange and promoting sustainable development practices and ideas globally. Moving forward, CCICED can continue to focus on major national needs and strategies.”
The views expressed are those of the interviewee and not necessarily those of CCICED.