Name: Red Smog alert chokes northern China
Publication: Environmental News network
Author: Robin Blackstone
Date: 21.10.2013.
A red alert - the highest level possible, which indicates serious air pollution for a minimum period of three days in a row - has been issued for a number of cities in Northern China. 17 provinces, with a population of 600 million were affected. In the city of Harbin, visibility decreased to less than 50 meters and Xinhuanet News report pollution of "the density of PM 2.5 -- airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter, exceeded 500 micrograms per cubic meter on Monday morning." The locals have been advised to stay at home and avoid going outside.
The main reason for the pollution is related to emissions produced by the heating systems which use coal. There is some work being done to help already ( ie. the Yu Hua Thermal Power plant in Shijiazhuang is in the process of setting up updated equipment in order to reduce the emissions by around 8 000 tons) but the Chinese environmental officials do not want to rely on foreign imports which is slowing down the process.
The Beijing Municipal Government will most probably issue different driving days for cars based on the numbers of license plates (odd/eve) and keep local schools shut down until the situation improves and the smog levels change. There have also been restrictions at many restaurants as 15 - 20 % of readings in Beijing are due to poor kitchen exhaust systems, and the National Development and Reform Commission increased fuel prices in order to discourage people from driving. In total,
1.75 trillion-yuan ($284.2 billion U.S.) were decided to be used for improving the situation i the next five years.
I found this article particularly interesting since we just talked about China in class, and we specifically mentioned that they polluted more than any other country - which directly relates to the article. It's really scare how the situation got so serious in the meantime. I can't even imagine being told I shouldn't leave the house because the air is too polluted..
Publication: Environmental News network
Author: Robin Blackstone
Date: 21.10.2013.
A red alert - the highest level possible, which indicates serious air pollution for a minimum period of three days in a row - has been issued for a number of cities in Northern China. 17 provinces, with a population of 600 million were affected. In the city of Harbin, visibility decreased to less than 50 meters and Xinhuanet News report pollution of "the density of PM 2.5 -- airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter, exceeded 500 micrograms per cubic meter on Monday morning." The locals have been advised to stay at home and avoid going outside.
The Beijing Municipal Government will most probably issue different driving days for cars based on the numbers of license plates (odd/eve) and keep local schools shut down until the situation improves and the smog levels change. There have also been restrictions at many restaurants as 15 - 20 % of readings in Beijing are due to poor kitchen exhaust systems, and the National Development and Reform Commission increased fuel prices in order to discourage people from driving. In total,
1.75 trillion-yuan ($284.2 billion U.S.) were decided to be used for improving the situation i the next five years.
I found this article particularly interesting since we just talked about China in class, and we specifically mentioned that they polluted more than any other country - which directly relates to the article. It's really scare how the situation got so serious in the meantime. I can't even imagine being told I shouldn't leave the house because the air is too polluted..
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