27 March, 2026

Not so long ago, parts of Beijing were compared to Dickensian London, a city where thick smog, poor visibility and widespread illness were part of daily life. But that comparison feels increasingly out of date. This week, we came across encouraging analysis. It shows that Beijing, Amsterdam and London have all significantly reduced harmful air pollution over the past decade, with drops of more than 20 percent in some of the most damaging pollutants.

Across Europe, progress has come from reshaping the systems that define everyday urban life. In London, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate pollution have fallen by more than 20 percent since 2010, driven by restrictions on the most polluting vehicles and expanded cycle lanes. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have recorded reductions of over 40 percent in nitrogen dioxide by prioritising cycling and reducing car use in dense city centres. In Warsaw, fine particulate pollution has fallen by more than 45 percent, largely thanks to a move away from coal and wood for home heating. Different cities have taken different routes, but all have intervened directly in transport, energy and housing.

China’s experience stands out for its scale and ambition. Beijing has reduced fine particulate pollution by nearly 70% since 2013 through a nationwide programme that targeted cars, construction, heavy industry, household heating and even the desert plains surrounding northern cities. This progress reflects the government’s ability to mobilise political will, enforce regulation and invest at scale over time. Air pollution was treated as a national priority, tackled through coordinated action across industry, energy and transport.

This progress has not been without trade‑offs. Some pollution has been displaced to poorer regions, and health risks remain. Even so, these examples are very encouraging. When cities choose to act decisively, cleaner air becomes achievable.

By Emma Alajarin