Positive Effect Observed on Reducing Criteria Pollutant Emissions Provided by Provisional Local Regulations during the 2022 Winter Olympics

This study examined the impact of temporary air quality control measures on reducing pollutants during the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, utilizing real-time monitoring data from 2017 and 2022 to assess spatial and temporal variations in critical air pollutant concentrations. The results showed that...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zongwen Shi, Zhoupeng Ren, Junfu Fan, Jiwei Zuo, Yu Gao, Fulu Wei
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/14/12/1774
Description
Summary:This study examined the impact of temporary air quality control measures on reducing pollutants during the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, utilizing real-time monitoring data from 2017 and 2022 to assess spatial and temporal variations in critical air pollutant concentrations. The results showed that concentrations of PM<sub>2.5</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, CO, SO<sub>2</sub>, and NO<sub>2</sub> in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region during the Olympic Games showed a marked decrease compared to the historical period, with reductions of 36.59%, 20.35%, 33.95%, 28.90%, and 22.70%, respectively. Significant north–south spatial differences were observed in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province during the Olympic period. The cities of Zhangjiakou, Chengde, Qinhuangdao, Beijing, and Tangshan showed the most significant pollution reduction. Based on assessments conducted during the Olympic period, it was noted that more than 95% of the daily average concentrations of pollutants are below the maximum values set by the World Health Organization for the interim target. Our research shows that provisional regulations effectively control the emission of air pollutants, providing a solid reference and basis for ensuring air quality during major international events.
ISSN:2073-4433