China's air pollution increased in 2017 according to this report

Photograph: Kook Kaisang

In 2017, air pollution in China increased for the first time in four years, according to this report by the Financial Times (FT). But don't panic, because it might be a return to 'normal' pollution levels according to a stable Chinese economy, at least according to the FT and NASA data.

That's right – NASA. The FT report turns years of data from NASA's ozone monitoring satellite into a number of informative graphs and time-lapse visuals which illustrate how China's air pollution levels have changed since January 2005, including the 2017 spike. At the same time, the report looks into how China's economic state and environmental regulations at the time are reflected in the air pollution levels.

Photograph: via Pexels

NASA's data is based on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, rather than the more common standard of measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels to determine air quality. While PM2.5 is an index of particles or pollutants that are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, NO2 is directly related to burning fossil fuels. China's economically significant coal and steel industries rely heavily on fossil fuels.

Photograph: via Pexels

The FT article points out how, from 2013 to 2016, dropping NO2 levels in China coincided not only with newly introduced pollution regulations but also a noticeable drop in economic growth. From 2016 to 2017, as the economy's growth bounced back, so did NO2 levels (in a bad way).

We will see how things go in 2018 with the economy, air quality and ongoing plans to curb air pollution. Maybe one upside of this global trade war is that Shanghai will have a few more days of blue skies? Otherwise, here's a guide on how to beat the pollution in Shanghai, a list of the best pollution masks and a very high-tech mask to help you breathe easy.

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Click below for a link to the FT report