Heavy Smog Rolls into Beijing, Expected to Linger Until Mar 5
By Justine Lopez
After what was a near-perfect, blue-sky weekend, the smog has rolled into town yet again. The latest bout of heavy pollution will impact the capital, and numerous other cities in northern China, starting today. Though Beijing will get a short respite mid-week, the smog will linger until the end of the week, South China Morning Post reports.
A cold front is expected to hit Beijing on Wednesday and help disperse the smog. But Beijing will be walloped by yet another round of pollution on Friday. Another cold front should finally clear things up on Sunday March 5, just in time for the commencement of the National People’s Congress.
In recent months, Beijing has been attempting to curb its pollution problem. The capital has created a ‘smog police’ squad, ordered ‘pollution highways’ to reduce emissions, and vowed to invest USD2.6 billion into anti-pollution efforts.
Despite these attempts, at least 18 cities in northern China have received heavy criticism for not complying with environmental regulations. And it's no surprise that many are not happy about it.
According to a recent study conducted by the China Youth Social Survey Center, smog makes 70 percent of people unhappy. So it’s safe to say that this latest bout of pollution is not welcome news to the majority of us living in the capital.
Mask up everybody!
[Image via Reuters]
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