Climate change and air quality - measures with co-benefits in China

This article examines the links between climate change and air quality and the health and environmental benefits associated with alternative measures and policies for carbon dioxide mitigation in China. The methods used to estimate the costs and benefits of policies to reduce emissions are outlined. A case study is presented for the co-control of carbon dioxide and air pollution in Shanxi province focusing on its capital Taiyuan. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, where industrial countries can invest in projects in developing countries that will reduce greenhouse gases, are shown to potentially benefit China. Indoor pollution due to dirty household fuels is likely to be responsible for some deaths in China. Details are given of emissions related to coal use. The prospects for future greenhouse gas abatement in China are considered. It is argued that the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions whilst simultaneously reducing air pollution should make cooperation on climate control strategies more attractive to China.