As the Olympics near, converns over the effects of pollution in China’s capital are growing. Air pollution has been on the agenda for some time, with the authoritarian government resorting to drastic measures and mobilising armies of farmers to seed clouds, and planning emergency factory closures at a moment’s notice. But the New York Times reported today on a new threat, this time in the water, with a vast algal expanse off the coast threatening the sailing. While the state-controlled media denies a link between rampant water pollution and algae growth, this is the latest in a long line of concerns about the environmental conditions in the area. Whether or not these affect the Olympics remains to be seen, but at the very least it will hopefully provide the impetus to improve the environment for Beijing’s 17 million residents.

Via The Times, here, and the New York Times, here.

Posted Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 @ 12:20 am
Filed in china, community and social, environment, human rights, politics

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