As the host of the Olympics this summer, 2008 is meant to be China's big year. But there are clouds on the horizon.
 | Picture Gallery (click on the picture to start)A Chinese cleaner, wearing a mask to protect herself from dense air pollution, walks along a Beijing street. Will China manage to curb pollution by the start of the Olympics? (Photo: Reuters) |
In the summer of 2008, all eyes will be on the Beijing Olympics. Whether anything will actually be visible through the smog is another question. Despite drastic measures, China’s capital is still plagued by air pollution. The International Olympic Committee has even raised the possibility of rescheduling some events if air pollution is a threat to athletes’ health.
Postponing the Olympics because of filthy air would be a PR nightmare for China. Chinese authorities have spent millions to dismantle and relocate factories, and take dirty vehicles off the roads.
 | Laborers on the construction site of the National Olympic Stadium in Beijing, which will incorporate solar power and rainwater collection. China has undertaken many measures to curb pollution in its capital. Will it be enough? (Photo: Reuters) |
Still, the UN reported in October 2007 that pollution in Beijing was more than three times above the safe limit. While China is pursuing a vigorous energy-efficiency program, the country’s increasing reliance on coal and the demand for vehicles are driving year-on-year leaps in the country’s emissions.
“They will have to decide whether they want to take the lead, help solve the problem, or wait to see what the United States does and what kind of deal they can get from a new administration in the United States,” says Jonathan Lash of the Chinese government. Regardless of its decision, China will face increasing pressure this year to take responsibility not just for the Olympic torch, but also for the other fuels it burns.
editor: James Tulloch
publishing date: January 7, 2008
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