Environment | Report shows continual air quality improvement in PRD

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network released a report on its 2017 monitoring results, which showed continual improvement in the air quality of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) last year, according to a statement released by the Environmental Protection Bureau and a statement released by the environmental protection authority of Hong Kong.

Compared with the 2016 levels, the average annual concentration levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the PRD in 2017 decreased by 8 percent, 3 percent, and 6 percent respectively.

While the average annual concentration levels of respirable suspended particulates (RSP) and fine suspended particulates (FSP) in 2017 increased by 7 percent compared with 2016 levels, the long-term downward trend of pollutant levels is evident despite the short-term fluctuations.

Compared with the 2006 levels, the annual concentration levels of NO2, SO2 and RSP in 2017 decreased by 26 percent, 77 percent and 34 percent respectively.

The figures reflect that measures implemented by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in recent years have contributed to the improvement of air quality in the PRD.

The 2017 average annual concentration level of ozone (O3) increased by 21 percent and 16 percent respectively compared with the 2006 and 2016 levels, indicating that further reduction of the regional photochemical pollution is required.

Both Guangdong and Hong Kong were said to have achieved their respective 2015 reduction targets and have finalized the reduction targets for 2020.