Against the background of rapid economic development in Jiangsu Province, China, large scale high energy consumption industries are being sustained by local government. As a result Jiangsu Province's use of coal makes up over 70% of its total energy usage. Under pressure from the Yangzi River Delta Pollution Control Policy, the traditional high-polluting industries are confronted with the difficulties of transformation. Statistics have shown that in 2014 Jiangsu Province still had big industries who exceeded the national standard for emissions. The most notable offenders are the coal, steel and chemical industries.

In northern Jiangsu, whilst the pollution left over from old industrial cities still has not been cleaned up, new industrial parks are further expanding the damage done by pollution. As the focus on GDP fades, the price paid for industrial development is becoming clear. It is reflected in the physical health of the residents, young and old, of areas surrounding the factories.