International Expert Meeting on Improving Air Quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

The PRC faces severe regional air pollution. Of particular concern are PM2.5—particles that are 2.5 micrometers in size or smaller—which remain persistently high in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, posing threats to health and quality of life. The meeting brought 25 government, research institute, and NGO air-quality experts from seven countries to exchange their experience in other developed and developing countries, with the aim of establishing effective policies and methods for improving air quality. The workshop discussed issues such as the reasons for and the health impacts of high PM2.5 levels, the gathering and storage of data, and policies on how to best tackle severe air pollution.