Road to Success

Life expectancy in China has surpassed that of the United States. The CDC’s latest data for 2021 put U.S. life expectancy at 76.1 years, while in China it is 78.2 years, a figure released by the National Health Commission.

A big factor contributing to this difference is China’s COVID-19 dynamic zero policy, which has undoubtedly saved millions of Chinese lives.

But there is another factor contributing to this notable rise. According to research earlier this year by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, pollution in China has declined by about 40 percent nationwide, and by about 50 percent in Beijing, thanks to the country’s “war against pollution.” The campaign began in 2013 when Xi Jinping took office as the nation’s leader and made improving the environment one of his top priorities.

The study shows that in most areas of China, pollution has fallen to levels not seen in over two decades. And because of these reductions in pollution, the average Chinese citizen can expect to live two years longer, and residents of Beijing can expect to live about four years longer!

China has closed thousands of old factories, invested heavily in renewable energies, has promoted low-carbon growth, and the list goes on. One popular saying in China over the past years has been “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”

In his report to the ongoing CPC Congress, Xi Jinping has pledged to “basically eliminate” heavy air and water pollution while bringing soil contamination under control.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing 20th CPC National Congress, Zhai Qing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, noted that the nation is committed to building a beautiful China for cleaner air, water and soil.

Yes, China’s made massive achievements in protecting the environment. But that’s not the end. There’s still a long way to go to achieve carbon neutrality in 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060.

For Chinese people, what to expect for the next five years and beyond is very clear: a cleaner environment with even less pollution and a longer life expectancy.