Winning battle against smog will take a people’s war

By Zhang Yi Source:Global Times Published: 2015-1-7 0:33:01

A picture of the Summer Palace on Saturday as Beijing was covered by heavy smog for the last day of the New Year holiday. Photo: CFP


 
Data released by the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau on Sunday shows that average levels of tiny particulate matter, known as PM2.5, fell by 4 percent in 2014 compared with 2013. Other indicators, such as more blue skies, also follow this trend.

The air quality in Beijing has long been a major source of public discontent. Complaints from foreigners living here fill expat forums. The media, both domestic and foreign, adopt a sarcastic tone when describing the Chinese cities that have become almost uninhabitable. It is depressing to see news about Beijing's "airpocalypse" dominating the headlines on a polluted day, with workers wearing masks rushing to their workplaces, and we count ourselves among them.

This is indicative of the fact that Beijing, with over 21 million inhabitants, is the capital of a developing country, but at the same time, it functions like an international metropolis. It is the focus of the many dreams of the Chinese people who aim for a high quality life. Economic growth still tops government agendas and environmental regulations have remained somewhat loose, while public demands for a better environment are urgent. 

Tackling smog is a systematic project and requires long-term efforts. China has already started campaigns against pollution. Early last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that tackling air pollution is the most prominent problem Beijing faces. Premier Li Keqiang also declared a war on pollution and promised to punish officials who do not adequately fight in this "war."

The government has shouldered its responsibility in dealing with pollution to meet the public's demands. The public should also show determination alongside the government. As Beijing hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November, the municipal government enforced strict measures, such as halting production at polluting enterprises and harsh traffic controls to ensure good air. Despite the inconvenience caused and the grudges generated, Beijing had blue skies for several successive days, and people realized that government policies and the public's support were both needed in the battle against pollution.

Many people are skeptical about whether China can fulfill its promises to curb pollution. It is too early to say what achievements have been made, and PM2.5 levels in Beijing remain more than three times the international recommended limit. People are expecting a turnaround.



Posted in: Observer

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