Beijing steps up battle against smog

Matt, Beijing — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:32:04 GMT

Normally I'm not one to bleat about "biased media coverage", but I call foul on this one. The past week has seen some terrific weather, including a few of the most gorgeous days I've seen over the past four summers here. Last Saturday was absolutely perfect, and during the day on Wednesday was great too. If we're going to start dissecting Beijing's weather on a daily basis, it wouldn't have hurt to make mention of the recent improvement in this post.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

J. Fred Hardin — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:37:52 GMT

Was there in November. The interstate from Bejing to
Tianjin, approx 125 miles, was closed to traffic from
6:00 am to 12:pm as smog reduced visibility to the point it was not safe to drive. Airports were closed
until 1:30. Was advised this was fairly routine.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jim, Mequon, WI — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:37:55 GMT

Everyone was aware of this issue when they were awarded the games yet nobody thought it was a big deal until a few months ago when athletes started complaining and health risks to the athletes were brought to light. It takes more than a couple months of change to help the air quality. Hopefully they will continue past the olympics of trying to improve the air quality so citizens of Beijing can live healthy lives.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Wright, Beijing, China — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:38:58 GMT

I live in Beijing and just a few days ago I saw one of the most suprising sights, the sun.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

amy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:40:50 GMT

Yet, somehow people don't think that we can make a difference when it comes to changing the enviornment for the better. It's a disgrace that China is only doing this for the olympics and not because it's the right thing to do but the further disgrace is that they are fast tracking changes to make a good impression when our administration labeled us "oil addicted" years ago and yet never has proposed any initiative to solve the problem (other than drill more oil...............not a solution). That's like saying anyone who's addicted to cocaine doenn't really have a problem as long as they can get more cocaine cheaper. I guarantee more people have died because of oil than cocaine but this administration preaches to FEED THE ADDICTION!!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

jc, bloomington, il — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:43:56 GMT

Wow, that pic of the bird's nest looks almost exactly like one I took in April. While there, I was amazed at how smoggy and dirty the city is. But, still, it is an amazing city from a cultural and political perspective. It was difficult to describe to people the constant overlay of pollution. Looking forward to seeing the footage of the games, especially the pieces highlighting the China and specifically, Beijing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Sono — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:45:00 GMT

Anyone else who's been to Beijing will tell you the exact same thing, the air quality is absolutely disgusting over there regardless of how it may look from a weather standpoint. A nice clear day as is pictured above does not show the millions of hazardous particles circulating the city.

If anyone reading this is planning to watch the Olympics, do your lungs a favor and watch them from the comfort of your home vs actually going to Beijing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Matt, Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:45:54 GMT

I feel that China hosting the Olympics is a good thing; as it highlights the environmental issues around the world. The U.S. isn't the only pollution culprit and the rest of the world needs to help shoulder the blame.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Mike, Boulder — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:52:46 GMT

I bet China didn't realize that hosting the games was going to make then drop their pants and have to reveal to the world just how badly they have been exploiting their environment. Be careful what you wish for!!! I won't be watching the games and contribute to the message to China that their economic pillage of the environment is Ok.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Neal, San Diego, Ca. — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:55:51 GMT

I was there in October of last year and try as they might, that smog will no doubt be very troublesome during the games.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Steve, Chicago, IL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:58:50 GMT

personally, i think everyone is making too big a deal about it. yes, it's a problem, but we won't ask Denver to lower it's elevation to improve the performance of the athletes! and don't talk to me about health concerns. Being in Bejing for 2 weeks is not going to harm anyone.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

CB — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:01:58 GMT

There goes the liberal media again claiming pollution exists. You people act like cameras can capture smog. It isn't true.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Ed Trainor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:06:30 GMT

I was just at the Olympic Stadium in June. It is not as bad as it is being portrayed in this article. They have serious smog issues and the hot summer does not give much relief. but, Atlanta (where I live), LA and other previous Olympic sites are not much different.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Ed Trainor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:06:54 GMT

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Kent, Fort Worth, TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:13:13 GMT

We were in Beijing in late June and laughed at the fact that if anything the "smog problem" was being understated. They have put a tremendous amount of effort into the games and hopefully the air will clear and it will be a safe event for participants and provide China an opportunity to showcase itself to the rest of the world.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Ed Miletti — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:20:20 GMT

Hi, I just got back from Beijing and I enjoyed my saty there. I noticed the smog most of the days, but during the day it will cleared out. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and it didn't affect me at all.I recommend as a tourist destination, it is great!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:20:47 GMT

I is probably good that the Olympics is held in Beijing this year, so that the world can see just how bad things can get if we don't fight pollution..

Beijing steps up battle against smog

wayne nagata, los angeles, ca — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:27:56 GMT

so what happens the day after the olympics? snafu Uncork the manufacuring smoke stacks, unleash all the American made SUVs with no smog controls, release all toxic liquids into the canals and all our athletes return home with chonic lung disease.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

sj — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:29:59 GMT

China will do whatever is necessary to give the athletes and spectators a pleasant enviroment. We have to also look at the location of Beijing. There tends to be more smog because Beijing is surrounded by a mountainous area, thus trapping the smog and humidity. It is also not helping the situation with all the construction taking place causing more dust, but the Chinese government is supposedly handling this issue also. I was there a couple months ago. Its amazing how fast the country is growing.
It should be an interesting and exciting Olympics with all the foreigners from various countries working with China. China has requested the best for assistance.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Joe — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:35:07 GMT

And people complain about the USA and how we are to our planet? We need to stop sending our factories and jobs there before all of that heads our way in a big way. Maybe it already has arrived here? I have no idea. But something has to be done before what they have here has the same exact effect on our skies. Anyone know if it can have that much of an effect on North America?

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Mark Thomas, Jacksonville, FL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:38:35 GMT

This is a big reason why America has lost so many manufacturing jobs. Because of our strict EPA laws, we cannot afford to produce products here, so we send the work to a counry that has no real version of our EPA. Bottom line: we lose the jobs and the ozone gets even dirtier. Lose Lose situation.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Eric, Williamsport, PA. — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:45:05 GMT

Any athletes going to the Olympic games who have asthma or related issues are going to be put at a severe disadvantage and even the healthiest athletes could end up with problems if the smog doesn't lift. Not a good thing to present to the world.
It's a far cry from the clean mountain air we have here in Central PA during the Little League World Series.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Phayta — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:49:40 GMT

The sooner we can switch to affordable, efficient,no-emissions vehicles (that don't cause pollution else-where) the better.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Rick Koerner,Piscataway,NJ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:02:49 GMT

Why are these countries not learning from others mistakes? No-one seems to care about the enviroment until it's to late.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Gregory A. Young,Sterling Heights, Michigan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:10:17 GMT

Frankly I think the smog is something people are going to have to live with during the games, it won't kill you just make you aware of what the people in LA. live with everyday.Just think how happy one will feel to get home ater the games and breath fresh air. the next time a country has the games make it up in the mountains where the air is fresher and thinner. then someone can complain about that too.China has done the best they can to please most of the world. My hat is off to them for at least trying to be better then what they were six months ago, or even two years ago.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Registered Investment Advisor, Bethesda, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:14:36 GMT

Beijing is not a pleasant city to live. The city is sprawling like LA or Houston, only the haze is five times worse. The city is built for cars, it is extremely unfriendly to pedestrians.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jim Schmitt — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:21:22 GMT

It's incomprehensible that the Chinese government thinks by shutting down factories a few weeks in advance of the Olympic Games the smog will just disappear. They seem to be hoping the winds and rain will purge the air clean like a giant electrostic precipitator when in reality the best they can hope for is that the winds blow the particulate matter out over the Pacific (becoming someone else's problem). Then on September 20th, everything returns to normal and the buildup of smog intensifies all over China once again. It will not be until China comes to grip with the real problem of emerging from it's third-world pollution control perspective. It'll take a complete country-wide attitude adjustment toward the environment to rectify this problem.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Philip, Denver, Colorado — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:23:13 GMT

China is experiencing its' own industrial revolution, similar to what England went through a century ago, when the coal plants sickened the whole population.

On the one hand, this experience of having some clean air during the Olympics will make the general population more aware of their polution situation (as if they aren't already).

Plus... it's good for the rest of the world to be seeing the fallout of unbridled growth.

On the other hand it seems likely they'll go right back to their old ways the day after the Olympics are over... I doubt they'll "clean up their act" for many years to come.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Kaweeka, Bangkok, Thailand — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:32:55 GMT

Hahahahaha ... all I can do is laugh at the prospect that Chinese propaganda will be telling the world, for the next 60 days or so, that air in Beijing was better than most cities in the world, and the press will just play along ... well, because it is just how this world works.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Will in MN — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:34:40 GMT

We worry too much about China and their economic might, compared to the U.S. This country has serious environmental and human rights problems, which will be swept under the rug for the duration of the Olympics, only to surface again afterwards. And what are all the people who will be out of work there until Sept.20 going to do? Collect unemployment? Yeah, right!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Leigh Feng, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:35:13 GMT

Yikes! I visited China a year ago and never saw a blue sky. When we were in Beijing, the sky was grey and you could see these (what looked like) tiny bits of paper floating around in the air. We were told these were flower petals (???). Well, I'm glad China is taking more steps to improve the environmental conditions, but I fear it won't continue once the Games are over.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Mitchel Saadi, San Jose, California — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:38:57 GMT

We ought to try the odd / even thing in the US. At least in all the major cities. I'll bet that would give the oil speculators a real scare and would drive down the price of oil in no time. I think we should try it for a month to send a serious message.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

John Hand — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:40:38 GMT

Gee, if China shuts down the factories until Sept 20, whatever will Wal-Mart do if they lose some of their imports? In any case, not good for our athlete's lungs.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Michael Shao, Corona, CA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:11:16 GMT

Beijing has had a huge transformation since the 90s. With over 3 million cars and a constantly expanding cityscape, Beijing is a city to be admired. Of course, it cannot come without pollution. It will be seen whether new regulations by the city will uphold its "green" promise for the Games.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

tony, Peoria, Illinois — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:12:12 GMT

shades of the olympics of mexico city in 1968.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

pour me, another drink, of alcohol — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:42:07 GMT

Looks good... 08/08/08 is the target day for clean air... I'm doubtful that all their work will actually pay off.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

n waldvogel — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:14:00 GMT

It is clear to me that we all need to work together to solve our concerns about the planet we live on, why is it that money always comes first? soon it will be to late, then what will they do? suddenly the cost to clean things up will mean nothing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Terry, Buffalo, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:50:30 GMT

Political issues aside, I have no doubt that the Chinese people will do everything in their power to make every Olympic athlete and visitor return home feeling pleased they came or participated in the Olympic games. I doubt that any other country or City has done as much as the Chinese to make this Olympics an historic commemoration to their country, their people and their culture. I am sure it will be a lasting tribute to all of them.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Beau, Long Beach, CA — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:47:20 GMT

This sounds like what Los Angeles went through in the early to mid 1970's. I hope the Chinese enact much tougher smog controls and standars on the millions of cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles on their roads, and on the cars and trucks, buses, motorcycles, factories and businesses that are yet to be built.......Best of luck to the Chinese as they grapple with their smog and pollution problems, not only in Beijing, but in all of China.........

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Joe M, MPLS, Minn — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 05:39:53 GMT

I was in China on Aug 7, 2007,and in 2003 and the smog was just thick. Two friends of mine are distance runners and they could do less then a mile. So good luck trying to clean up a mess that has been around for years, in less than a month.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Don Joe — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:36:31 GMT

What amazing focus to accomplish what they set out to do. Anyone taking bets that they wont have pollution under control in 22 days?

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Lynn, Las Vegas, NV — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:57:04 GMT

Glad to hear they’re cleaning up their act a bit, but will it only be temporary for the games? I’d like to see it as a good jump start to a major polluter taking serious action to reduce their environmental impact, but I question as to whether or not the efforts will continue...

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Maria, Los Angeles, Ca — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:58:09 GMT

I find very encouraging and amazing that a country would make the effort to do something about air pollution by combining the industry, cars and construction. It is going to be interesting to know how much effect will take place in China. Maybe some other countries could follow the example, with more
creative ways.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

jin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:21:06 GMT

I am chinese girl who is in korea now.I very excited to hear Olympic games will open in china.We waited for a long time.Oh,the day comes.But there is a lot of atmosphere problems in beijing and any other places.I believe It will be change ,with our courtry become stronger.After olympic games our country will become stronger and stronger.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Dan — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:17:46 GMT

It is amazing the extent to which China is going in an effort to make the games work. Countless factories all over the country have been shut down to reduce pollution, to both their detriment and to those who secure product from them. The latest is that factories in Shandong (home of Qingdao where the boating events will be held) are being told to close for two to three days per week so as to preserve electricity so there will be no embarrasing blackouts during the Olympic period.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jim Cannon, Los Angeles, Ca. — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:04:50 GMT

I was in Beijing in the summer of 2000 and experienced one of those sandstorms. I spent two years in Chengdu amid pollution caused mostly by concrete dust. I applaud the CPC's efforts to host a model Olympics because it has improved China's conduct and given aspirations to its people. Good luck guys, you are going to need it.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Lefty009, Concord, NH — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:41:19 GMT

Well, this article reminds me of some of the impositions we have seen in recent years in the USA. Allowing vehicles into the city on an odd-even plate number system reminds me of lawn watering restrictions in some areas experiencing drought conditions in the US, in recent years.
With double digit economic growth what did the Chinese leaders think was eventually going to happen?
Just like the US politicians that failed to encourage alternative energy after the gasoline shortages of the 70's, China is now experiencing their own growing pains. Collectively, the shortcomings of all humans will eventually result in "Mother Earth" reclaiming its' planet after we have driven ourselves into extinction.....

Beijing steps up battle against smog

dale butler — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:03:30 GMT

It reminds me of the pictures of Los Angeles for many, many, years before they got tough on polution. Give China a break, I think they've come a long ways in a short time.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Kenneth Gardner, Woodburn, OR — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:11:21 GMT

Has anyone tested the pH of the air at Olympic's site? It must be acidic. What will be the effect on the athletes' lungs surely will be damaged during competition, as they require additional oxygen while competing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Dan, Salt Lake — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:29:29 GMT

I just returned home from China after living there for 1.5 years. Despite living in a small city in Central mainland, days with good, rich air quality were few and far between. Modern Beijing is an amazing city and would happily call it my home if it weren't for the air pollution. I feel the efforts made by the Chinese Government to "clean" are superficial. The Chinese people are kind-hearted but apathetic to the environment and I fear this effort to help the environment will fade as quickly as the tourists from the city. The Chinese are very welcoming, don't take your political ideals with you, you'll find nobody to argue with except yourselves.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Richard Paul, Pleasanton, CA — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:51:52 GMT

Guess what?! Those polluting factories are producing products for the rest of the world. Pollution is a global problem as well as locale. It is sad to read some of the comments that we Americans make in denouncing China as big polluters. We created the industrial pollution in China by redirecting the manufacturing of products that produce toxic materials. It's the same materials we sent to China so they can produce the toxic products for us, minus the air/water/sound pollution, which we are happy to localize in China. We are such hypocrites!!!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

EM — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:31:15 GMT

Hey, didn't there used to be a link to a live webcam in Beijing to see the smog in BJ? I came home and wanted to look again, and now I can't find it... Is there a cover-up going on? Thanks

Beijing steps up battle against smog

debbie g — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:43:04 GMT

I hope China"s efforts will inspire other cities to take action now, before it is too late. If it isn"t already

Beijing steps up battle against smog

MW, Stillwater, MN — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:32:05 GMT

I think the message is: America, lead the world on clean energy and China will follow. Nobody wants asthma and cancer and all the other problems with fossil fuels.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:08:19 GMT

I was just in Beijing and have previously lived there. The air can be absolutely disgusting and it can be even worse elsewhere in the country.

Americans should feel blessed because they live with some of the cleanest air in the world.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Robert, Waukegan IL — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:11:54 GMT

China has such terrible pollution because western countries have exported all our manufacturing there. Our businesses want the profits of the global economy but think they can export the problems along with the jobs, and our governments are helping them do it. This is a global problem and requires global solutions.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Karen, Springfield, Oregon — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:45:17 GMT

I hope the Chinese are successful in their efforts in reducing smog and tht it becomes a dialy pattern in all our nations... Maybe working 4 days and lookng for alternatives is a good ide... if a iving wage can still be made.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Steve Doha Qatar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:52:13 GMT

I've lived in China for 8 years and the polution has always been there. Beijing should have started to clean up the air the day they won the right to host the Olympics, not waited until a month before the opening.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Ally Hauptmann-Gurski — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:05:11 GMT

In a sense, the smog is a good event. Nothing changes until a problem comes to its head and the mixture of smog and Olympics brings it home to everyone that something has to happen, very, very soon.
Since Chinese culture tends to adopt longer term views, as opposed to the Western desire for immediate gratification, I have confidence the problems will be tackled now. Let's talk again in 2010 and see what report card we can give them then.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Linda Dennis, Houston, Texas — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:44:28 GMT

There must be a seasonal temperature/humidity component to Beijing's smog. We visited in early Nov.07 and the air was clear and easy to breathe. It's a terrific city, and we'd go back in a heartbeat. Every big metropolis has its pollution challenges, no?

Beijing steps up battle against smog

TiredofSoot, Atlanta GA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:08:55 GMT

I'm also pleased to see China addressing at least one of its major pollution issues even if only for the Olympics. Its a positive step and a positive thought process. Maybe they can export that as well?

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Vivian, Bloomington, IL — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:21:46 GMT

I was interested to see how this would work out. If they can successfully get even a year's worth of mediocre efforts to make a difference by the games, it bodes will for the recovery time of the world in general. It's really a good experiment for the rest of the world to watch what really makes a difference in healing the atmosphere and what only is a drop in the bucket. It seems there may be other repercussions by using more artificial means, though, to resolve a problem in nature. Using the cloud seeding may backfire as the chemicals combine with other molecules in the air...we just don't know. I'd say, plant more trees and let's check on things again in another 4 years!!
As for the algae blooms, let's talk about the "volunteers" that were pictured cleaning it up...anyone want to bet we're seeing some prisoners "volunteering" their time? Maybe we need to be just as vigilant monitoring the human rights issues and religious prisoner situation as the environment there.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Rick, Tucson, AZ — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:38:59 GMT

From the pictures and information coming from China it is easy to make comparisons to LA in the '70s with constant SMOG alerts and air quality health warnings. Those severe issues are mainly a thing of the past but it looks like China did not learn from our history and are destined to repeat it.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

joe L — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:27:10 GMT

some of you seem to think that the smog, air pollution and all the environmental problems will kill the tourists and athletes upon arrival in Beijing, but come on, are you really that naive? there are about 20 million people who have Beijing their homes. have they died immediately? they continue to live their life to their fullest and try to improve and develop the city with their own hands. some of them outlive some of us in the west. the Chinese' average life span is about as long as us in the west and yet China is still a developing country. So there, stop complaining or nagging about the smog or air pollution. just be happy that Beijing is happy to host one of the best Olympics in history and athletes should be thankful that Beijing is providing them some of the most amazing Olympic facilities ever built. what? do i need to remind you what they are? well, how about the bird nest, water cube, the new airport, and etc. Good luck, Beijing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Don Knudson, Rosemount, MN — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:51:40 GMT

I noticed a report stating that the USA team will not be staying in Bejing, but commuting from South Korea and another site in China away from the pollution. Each team will come into Bejing just before they compete. Apparently our coaches don't trust that Bejing will have clean air to breathe and want to minimize pollution exposure to our athletes. Will that give them an unfair advantage in winning the Gold?
I think it is good for the USA and the world to see the consequences of using the atmosphere as a petro chemical toilet. Maybe a few more people will rethink whether it's worth the trade off that we make against our breathing and public health for the sake of lower prices.
My wife is a brittle asthmatic thanks to being exposed to air born toxic chemicals. Living with that consequence is not cheap. Her medical bills are able to bankrupt anyone without insurance. And that cost faces her until she dies.
So world, take a deep breath! If your lungs begin to burn, maybe it's time to quit breathing the petro-chemical soup our atmosphere becomes more and more every day. Good Luck China! Good luck USA!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

sandhya, Boston, MA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:26:27 GMT

I'm only a senior in high school and as a young person I am all for the "greener" environment that China is attempting to promote. I only hope that the country does plan to help maintain the cleaner air. Although, as an american, i shouldn't be too strict on China considering that the U.S isn't doing the best it can do to keep our air supply clean. I really do hope that the olympics in China goes well and that the athletes will be able to withstand any pollution that might be there. I will watch the games to support the tremendous work that China has done to make the games more safe for the athletes and more enjoyable for the millions watching around the world.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Rich, Chapel Hill, NC — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:57:00 GMT

Looks like north jersey in the 60's - we changed so let's see if this is the catalyst for them to want to change

Beijing steps up battle against smog

John Dont, Portland, Oregon. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:09:54 GMT

China is a communist country. Their government no more cares about the environment than they do about their own people with the numerous human rights violations they have incurred over the years. The only way to clean up the environment is to completely discontinue the consumption of fossil fuels, worldwide.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jay Michaels, Kalamazoo, Mi. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:36:39 GMT

I was in Beijing in March of 2001. Almost puked on the polution. My interpreter kept insisting it was "just haze". Being from Los Angeles, I knew polution when I saw it, but I chose to be diplomatic and ignore the obvious.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

sunny t, Richmond VA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:44:17 GMT

Smog in Beijing is the least of China's worries. ABC, CBS, BBC and Reuters are reporting an estimated 1.5 million forced evictions of poor Beijing residents to make way for their Olympics. BBC has footage of a few of these evictions as well as what happens to the people who delay or refuse to leave their homes. Are these families relocated? Are they compensated? Are they assisted by the government or the police in any way? No, they are beaten. Activists who protested the evictions have been imprisoned. I, for one, am not able to remove my heart or my conscience in order to enjoy these Olympic games.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

youzhen pan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:45:07 GMT

I am very happy to know the olympic game is coming near and near.I think the air will become better before the game.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

John Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:57:38 GMT

I saw news saying there were athletes who would stay and train in Tokyo and wouldn't leave for Beijing until the games starts. Understandable, but it's a little bit exaggerated and over-cautious to go that far.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jeff S, — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:21:52 GMT

Hosting the Olympics in Beijing or any city that fails to meet World Health Organization standards is an insult to all the athletes on the planet who work very hard to be able to perform their best on the world stage. Already, the world's best marathon runner has withdrawn from the Games out of concern for his health.

The IOC should be barred from making any serious review of proposals from all these heavily polluted cities. The clean-up of the environment has to come FIRST, not as an afterthought.

The Chinese government and it's quaisi-private industries have had plenty of time to install pollution controls on new facilities and to retrofit older factories and power plants, but tey have failed to do so. They are merely repeating the past mistakes of the West, knowing full well what the results would be. That is not the action of a wise culture that is to be revered. They have managed to out-pollute LA, Pittsburg and London by a long shot!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

davey bain Beijing — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:29:48 GMT

There are more than two countries in the World.The Chinese and the Americans seem to to think they have got this carved up. You are shameless hypocrires with poor geography and and a selective memory.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Phil, Port Angeles, Wash — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:34:03 GMT

We still do a lot of manufacturing in this country yet don't pollute nearly as much. They simply don't care, (yet!).

A USGS scientist said it best on earth day, "If China gets on board, pretty much nothing else matters, if China doesn't get on board, pretty much nothing else matters."

They are bringing on line a new coal fired plant every 10 days or so with no end in sight. Compared to them the US has not only lead, it's left them in the dust, (literally!), at warp speed. It's time for them to step up to the plate. They are now the worlds leading polluter, after all!

Beijing steps up battle against smog

R, San Diego, CA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:13:34 GMT

I was in Beijing for 2 months in 2005 August and September. The smog was anywhere from 5 to 10 times as thick as Los Angeles. I developed a bronchial infection when I was there. My eyes were red and irritated every day. I only saw somewhat blue skies for half a day. I visited a school where children drew pictures of beijing with a grey sky, so sad. When I returned to Los Angeles, I was so grateful to breath it's super clean air compared to Beijing.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jan, Duluth, MN — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:06:29 GMT

While in Bejing in 2003 I remember not seeing a bird anywhere in the city.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Casey, San Diego, CA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:41:59 GMT

I was in Beijing 3 years ago in March and yes, it was very polluted. I have lived in LA and I now live in San Diego. The air in Beijing, then, was much worse than LA. I'd like to think that Beijing is using the Olympics as a reason to clean up and do better for itself and the world to see. I look forward to seeing significant improvements in August.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Damien Price, Cleveland Ohio — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:08:31 GMT

If anyone thinks this is a turn-around for the Chinese government they are mistaken. It's another global profit / status generating event focused on increasing their power and prestige around the world. The smog will continue to grow worse after the olympics. Chinese people will continue to die from all manner of health issues related to the environment and no one will care, with the Chinese government topping the list of people who care the least. NPR had an interesting story of Chinese olympic athletes abused and neglected in recent years, to the point of their death. The Chinese government are animals, preying on their own kind and the rest of the world when they have the opportunity.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Scott, Jiangsu PRC — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:01:24 GMT

I have lived in China for some time and the pollution has yet to subside. I wish I could believe that having the olympics here would make the rest of the world aware of this nonchalaunt attitude about poor air quality. As far as the world is concerned, it's a big deal now, before the games, but afterward China will drift back into obscurity and the old attitudes and habits will return. China is a country mostly ruled by street law and is easily persuaded by under the table payments. The authorities can't even enforce traffic laws much less environmental controls. The sad truth is, China is in the midst of a economical boom. As the economy grows, so will the middle class and so will the number of people owning cars. Cars may not be the main source of pollution but we can expect it to be a major contributor by 2010.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

John Doe, Buffalo — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:30:58 GMT

I was in Buffalo in the mid '90s. I barely remember any blue days during the entire three years. Do you, if any of you were there?

The locals of Buffalo told me that there were times, one "could cut through the air with a butter knife." I guess air in Beijing is like that, now? The world will forget it soon.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Bill, Pittsburgh PA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:56:42 GMT

Yes, Beijing should immediately have all its government lawyers get together and legislate some change like the U.S. In Australia, I hear they have an Accountant running the global warming show. Since neither of these careers knows a thing about solving pollution problems, it's no wonder nothing is being accomplished. Perhaps, just for the sake of change, Beijing and the U.S. should try putting Mimes in charge of pollution control.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Chris D, Pacific Grove, CA — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:21:14 GMT

How many Americans realize as they complain about China taking our jobs that the truth of the matter is we have purposely exported the jobs that were killing us? The polluting, the dangerous, the disgusting jobs that make our lives livable have been off-shored to the people of China. Instead of complaining about it like the ignorant and fearful, try thanking them for making it easier for us to breath here, cheaper to live, and providing all of you haters with something to bitch about! How can we blame them for attempting to have what we take for granted. The world throws their garbage at China and hates them for accepting it. Is there a better definition of hypocrisy?

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Jacque, Texas — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:36:53 GMT

I spent 3 weeks in China last year. The first week in Beijing--I had lost my voice due to the pollution. The Chinese refer to their smog as "haze" so I'm excited that any effort is made for these kind people. They are going to have major health problems in the next few years. Good luck to all the athletes and a big THANKS to China for all their efforts.

Beijing steps up battle against smog

Frank — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:38:45 GMT

Good luck for this amazing city,Beijing