It is a well-known fact that China has an extreme air pollution problem, but unless you witness it with your own eyes it is difficult to comprehend. Smog so thick that you can’t see more than a block, grey skies on cloudless days, and difficulty breathing after a short walk are all common. There was an interesting article in the most recent Bloomberg Markets magazine that examined China’s growth and the environmental damage that is being caused by their energy consumption. 80% of China’s energy is from coal, and the byproducts that come from burning it are extremely harmful to the air. The article did a great job outlining the damage that is being done to the environment, and its impact on life in China.
The most alarming statistic in the article is that many scientists estimate that if China’s current pollution rates continue, it will only take until 2015 before irreversible damage is done to the environment. If actions are not taken immediately by the Chinese government, we will soon have to adapt to a world that will experience a variety of effects of global warming. It is uncertain the lasting impact that this damage will have, but we can only hope that someone decides to save the planet before it is too late.
Here is some other interesting information I found in the article.
It is estimated that air pollution causes 470,000 premature deaths per year in China.
In January of this year, 200 flights were grounded at Beijing’s airport because the smog was too thick.
Since 2010, China consumed more coal per year than the rest of the world combined.
A picture from my time in China. This was taken on one of the worst smog days in China. When the smog is this bad it is recommended that old people and children refrain from going outside.
Beijing Shore 