China's Action Plan for a Sustainable and Healthy Environment

The Chinese government has introduced a detailed action plan aiming to cultivate a livable, environmentally friendly, and secure atmosphere as part of its commitment to mitigate the health impacts of climate change while enhancing public well-being. Issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration in conjunction with 15 other government sectors, the plan delineates various initiatives to be implemented by the year 2030, such as elevating awareness of environmental health, improving drinking water standards, promoting the sorting of household waste, and tackling indoor air contamination.

This plan recognizes the obstacles posed by global warming in establishing healthy living conditions and seeks to integrate environmental health considerations into policies across multiple sectors. It particularly targets significant environmental issues that could negatively affect public health. Residents are urged to minimize their carbon emissions and adopt energy-efficient products, while also increasing their understanding of environmental protection and the hazards associated with severe weather.

To enhance living conditions within homes and communities, the initiative advocates for the adoption of energy-efficient and low-risk appliances and encourages the incorporation of elderly-friendly features that ensure safety, such as slip-resistant surfaces. At the community level, the plan emphasizes the necessity of efficient waste sorting, the expansion of green spaces and walking paths, improvement of community health services, and more effective noise management strategies.

The action plan also highlights the importance of supporting elderly individuals living alone through regular outreach visits and security awareness campaigns. Furthermore, it stresses the need to expand smoke-free areas and better manage emissions from various sources, including air and water pollutants, solid waste, and noise.

Particular attention is given to ensuring safe drinking water management, especially in rural locales, while enhancing capabilities for sanitation and hygiene during environmental crises. Additionally, the initiative calls for improved communication in health risk warnings and notices related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and vector-borne diseases. There has been notable progress in China's public health literacy, rising significantly since 2019, alongside an impressive solid waste treatment rate in urban regions and a growth in access to sanitary toilet facilities.