Submitted By: Lindsay Yoshitomi

Today, August 8th, begins the one year count down until the Beijing Olympics. The Chinese celebrated with massive firework displays in Tiananmen Square. After our trip, anything related to China catches my eye … an article in a magazine, a report on the news, etc.

I happened to see the news today, and thought I’d share what was reported in case you missed it. With the Olympics around the corner, there have been raised concerns about the pollution and air quality in Beijing. There is worry that the air quality will affect the athletes’ ability to compete. A few measures have been set to help decrease the pollution.

Three months before the Olympics, all industry production will be halted, to decrease the pollutants being emitted into the air. This is a procedure China does whenever important diplomats are scheduled to visit. Another measure set is the planned decrease in car usage. China plans to reduce one third of the cars driving around Beijing during these three months as well. Still, if during the games the air quality is not conducive for competition, the outdoor games will be delayed. I wonder if China will be able to significantly reduce the pollution, and how game delays will affect the Olympics. Any thoughts?