zoobyshoe said:The video is pretty alarming:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-air-pollution-smog-red-alert-airpocalypse/
This reminds me of the descriptions of London "pea soup" smog from back in the day, except in China it affects a vastly larger area.
morehttp://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-summit-china-satellite-idUSKBN14B00UChina launched a satellite to monitor its greenhouse gas emissions early on Thursday, the latest step in efforts to cut its carbon footprint, the official Xinhua news agency said.
The launch follows the United States joining China in formally ratifying the Paris agreement to curb climate-warming emissions. It also comes as large sections of northern China have been shrouded in near-record levels of air pollution for most of the past week, disrupting flights, closing factories and schools, and forcing authorities to issue red alerts...
dkotschessaa said:That is really alarming, mostly because it doesn't appear that anything will be done about it, and it will probably only get worse.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion...ry/china-can-learn-u-s-cut-smog/#.WGDAtighxSUWhile particulate emissions have been gradually reduced in the U.S. and other developed economies, they have continued to grow in China.
The concentration of particulates suspended in the air in China’s northern cities in the 1980s and early 1990s was already five times higher than it had been in the U.S. prior to the enactment of the Clean Air Act in 1970.
The technology to cut particulate emissions has been available for decades and is not complicated or expensive. Emissions control technologies include electrostatic precipitators, flue-gas desulfurization units (FGDs), activated carbon injection, dry sorbent injection, and fabric filters, also known as baghouses. These technologies can be used individually or preferably in combination to eliminate more than 99 percent of the emissions of particulates, mercury and other heavy metals, as well as acid-rain-causing sulfur and nitrogen oxides (SOx and NOx).
The main causes of China's air pollution are industrial activities, transportation emissions, and coal-fired power plants. These sources release large amounts of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides into the air.
Air pollution in China has been linked to various health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even premature death. The high levels of pollutants in the air can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation, leading to respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions.
In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented various measures to reduce air pollution, such as setting emission standards for industries, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and implementing stricter vehicle emission controls. They have also implemented policies to limit the number of cars on the road and have invested in air pollution monitoring and control technologies.
While China's air pollution has significantly improved in recent years, it is still a major issue in many cities. The government's efforts have led to a decrease in the overall levels of pollutants, but some cities still experience severe smog episodes, especially during the winter months. Continued efforts and stricter enforcement of regulations are necessary to further improve air quality in China.
Individuals can protect themselves from air pollution in China by avoiding outdoor activities during times of high pollution, wearing masks when going outside, and using air purifiers inside their homes. It is also helpful to stay informed about air quality levels and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding heavily trafficked areas, during times of high pollution.