CHINA'S POLLUTION PROBLEM : AS BEIJING TRIES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OTHER CITIES LOOK APOCALIPTIC

 

A very famous Chinese ice festival in the city of Harbin risks being obscured, literally, by its city's pollution problem

Pictures from Harbin look downright apocaliptic.  Visibility was so bad yesterday, it was under 30 feet. The smog was so thick, it impaired traffic and choked pedestrians, as the photo above illustrates. 

Traffic authorities have already issued guidelines not to penalize drivers who skip red lights and otherwise fail to heed signs, since visibility makes it impossible to even see signals or other street signeage.  

The concentration registered yesterday in Harbin was PM2.5, or particulate count of 900 micrograms parts per metre.  Particulates, or airborne particles that come from industrial or car smog, are considered the most harmful of pollution components.  PM 2.5 count is 40 times the safe limit adopted worldwide. 

This kind of pollution level causes major disruption and makes victims, since countless accidents occur, and many state run offices, schools, and other operations have to be completely stopped. It is also extremely bad for the people who inhale the particulates.

The reason for such pollution is China's heavy or almost single reliance on coal fired plants.  Since public heating was started yesterday in the city, the pollution might very well be a harbinger for the air condition of the entire winter to come. 

But the denizens of Harbin are beginning to push back.  They are criticizing the government for not doing enough to ameliorate the pollution levels, and especially hold the local officials responsible for lack of action.  

Pollution of this kind is very harmful to the lungs.  An estimated 1.2 million people die each year from pollution.  In the city of Kolkata, the smog inhaled by the citizens in its most polluted areas, is equal to smoking two packs of cigarette a day. 

Partial Source : France 24/ 10.21.13