NICA | Exploring the Future of Mobility and Gait in China
Health Positive Adaptations
Breathe Better
MICRO TREND
Mobility solutions will be designed to improve air quality Air pollution levels have been of great concern to Chinese citizens for several years. However, while improvements have occurred102, demand for further action comes as research uncovers the long-term effects of air pollution on older adults.
doing what they can to reduce their exposure to these pollutants. The Chinese Air Purifiers Market stood at USD 1,489.84 Million in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.12% to surpass USD 1,767.81 Million by 2025113.
Recent research has linked high levels of air pollution with increased incidences of dementia103, heart disease, hypertension104, sleep disturbances105, and cognitive impairment106.
A recent catalyst driving awareness of air pollution is that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant reductions in air pollution across many countries, including China, were visualised by institutions such as NASA114 and mainstream media115 outlets during nationwide lockdowns.
The transport sector is one of the leading causes of air pollution in China, and it is estimated that between 20-50%107 of local fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in Chinese cities -. Shenzhen 52%, Beijing 45%, Guangzhou 22% are produced by transport. Nationwide, nitrogen oxides from transport solutions such as motor vehicles have accounted for about 60%108 of the total emissions, and volatile organic compounds account for about 23%109.
For older adults who are more likely to experience adverse reactions116 to high pollution levels, increased expectations emerge for mobility companies to do more to improve air quality both in and around their vehicles.
While China has set a date of 2035 for banning the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles110, the country is expected to sell 80 million internal combustion engines annually111 by 2026. This means transport-related pollution levels will continue to increase, with the Chinese government estimating that carbon emissions will peak in 2028112, dropping to 20% of peak levels by 2035. As a result, Chinese citizens are already
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