2. Motor Vehicle Development and Air Pollution Control

This chapter first introduces the general ambient environmental issues caused by vehicles in China and then simulates CO, HC, NO _x , and particulate matter (PM) emissions from vehicles in 12 selected typical Chinese cities during 1990–2009. The results show a decreasing trend in CO and HC emissions but an increasing trend in NO _x and PM emissions in the examined cities. Megacities (e.g., Beijing and Shanghai) have stricter emission standards than the national level, so their vehicle emissions decrease faster than those of other cities. Also, the ambient SO₂, NO₂, and PM₁₀ concentrations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou show a decreasing trend during the past decade. However, in cities where the emission measures are relatively lenient (e.g., Jinan, Ningbo, and Chongqing), the NO _x and PM emissions increased significantly. Therefore, vehicle pollution is no longer a problem that exists only in large cities. Local governments need to pay great attention to the fact that vehicle pollution is rapidly rising in provincial capitals and prefecture-level cities. This chapter finally discusses the measures implemented during recent 10 years to control vehicle emissions in China.

The rapid vehicle growth in China has caused various environmental issues, especially urban air pollution. Fortunately, the national government and local governments have implemented many measures to control vehicle emissions. It is important to emphasize that vehicle emission-control measures must be in accord with vehicle development in order to protect the urban ambient environment.