According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly issued two supporting technical specifications: the "Environmental Air Quality Standards" (GB 3095-2026) and the "Technical Regulations for Environmental Air Quality Index (AQI)" and "Technical Specifications for Environmental Air Quality Evaluation". The newly revised standards have tightened the concentration limits for particulate matter and its main precursors, which means that in the future, the "good weather" standards for good air quality will be even stricter to better protect public health. The person in charge of the Atmospheric Environment Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment introduced that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has experienced rapid economic development, and the annual average concentration of PM2.5 has decreased from 68 micrograms/cubic meter in 2013 to 28 micrograms/cubic meter in 2025, becoming the country with the fastest improvement rate in global air quality. The previous version of the standard was released in 2012, and since its implementation, it has played an important leading role in China's continuous efforts to defend the blue sky and ensure the health of the people. This revision has tightened the concentration limits for particulate matter and its main precursors. ”The person in charge said that the first level limit of PM2.5 annual average concentration will be adjusted to 10 micrograms per cubic meter, and the second level limit will be adjusted to 25 micrograms per cubic meter; The first level limit of daily average concentration has been adjusted to 25 micrograms per cubic meter, and the second level limit has been adjusted to 50 micrograms per cubic meter; Simultaneously tightened the concentration limits for PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollutants. At the same time, this revision also adjusted the scope of environmental functional zones and updated the requirements for pollutant analysis methods. The person in charge introduced that in order to reserve a preparation period for the steady and orderly implementation of standards in various regions, ensure a smooth transition of air quality evaluation results, and continue to play a leading role in improving air quality, boost local confidence and determination to improve air quality, the standards will be implemented in stages - the first stage will be from March 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030, and the concentration limits during the transition stage will be implemented: the second level limits for PM2.5 annual and daily average concentrations are 30 micrograms/cubic meter and 60 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively, and the second level limits for PM10 annual and daily average concentrations are 60 micrograms/cubic meter and 120 micrograms/cubic meter, respectively. Starting from January 1, 2031, the revised concentration limits for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 will be implemented nationwide in the second phase. What will be the impact and benefits of implementing the new standards? The person in charge stated that from the results of the air quality evaluation, the revision of the standards will lead to a decrease in the proportion of cities that meet the standards and other evaluation results. However, this decrease does not mean that the air quality has deteriorated, but is due to the stricter limits and higher requirements of the standards. From the concentration levels of major pollutants such as PM2.5, it is an objective reality that China's air quality has significantly improved. The revision of standards reflects China's determination to lead the continuous improvement of environmental quality with higher standards. ”He said. From the perspective of health benefits, the implementation of standards will promote the continuous decrease of PM2.5 concentration, effectively reduce the health risks of the population, and have a more prominent protective effect on susceptible populations. The continuous improvement of air quality will further enhance the public's sense of 'blue sky happiness'. From the perspective of carbon reduction benefits, this standard revision can effectively promote the cultivation and development of new quality productive forces such as clean energy and new energy vehicles, and promote the promotion and use of advanced technologies in key industries; Promote the green and low-carbon transformation of industries, energy, and transportation structures, and promote high-quality economic and social development. It is expected that from 2026 to 2035, various pollutant reduction measures can achieve a synergistic reduction of over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It is reported that after the release of the standards, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will continue to promote the prevention and control of air pollution, plan and implement a new round of air quality improvement actions, and guide localities to plan air quality compliance paths according to local conditions. At the same time, we will improve the capability system of supporting monitoring methods, and continue to promote and train on standards to promote continuous improvement of air quality. (New Society)