A Return to Normal in China Means Air Pollution is Back in Force

The welcome return of China’s economy is bringing with it some unwelcome company, as air pollution levels have returned to pre-lockdown levels across the country.

Major pollutants have exceeded concentration levels from a year ago for the first time since the start of Covid-19 lockdowns in January, according to a new report from Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The rebound from declines of as much as 40% come as factories restart and traffic returns to city roads.