Beijing Considering More Steps to Reduce Smog for Olympics
July 28, 2008
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In the run up to the Olympic Games, Beijing has taken some drastic measures to reduce air pollution and thereby cut their carbon footprint. However, with only 11 days until the opening ceremony a consistent haze still covers the city prompting more concerns about the air quality for the athletes.
Beijing has already drastically cut back on the number of cars on the road, reducing it by close to 50%, and has temporarily closed several factories and manufacturing plants in the city. Yet Monday morning still saw high levels of smog above the city, showing that these measures have had a limited impact on their carbon footprint.
The official stance of the city is that the current haze is due to the humid weather being experienced in the region, not because of the pollution. However, city officials have indicated that they are considering further cuts to traffic in the last few days before the event begins.
“More vehicles could go off the roads and all construction sites and some more factories in Beijing and its neighboring areas could be closed temporarily if the capitals’ air quality deteriorates during the Olympic games”, the China Daily said.
Many athletes have delayed their arrival in Beijing to protect them from the smog as long as possible.
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