Plant-level real-time monitoring data reveal substantial abatement potential of air pollution and CO2 in China’s cement sector

China is the world’s greatest cement producer, generating significant air pollution and CO2 emissions. To combat these impacts, China introduced stricter air pollution standards for the cement industry in 2015. Cement’s PM, SO2, and NOX reduced by 50%, 44%, and 34% between 2014 and 1028 respectively, but CO2 increased by 5%.