Beijing Olympics: Emergency Anti-Smog Plan Announced for “Greyjing”

A choking haze smothers the host city for the Olympics and China is taking drastic new steps to eliminate the smog before the games begin. The city has already removed more than a million cars from its streets and closed hundreds of factories, reports Jonathan Watts from Beijing. Sporting organizers express concern about the pollution’s effect on the health and capabilities of athletes participating in endurance events. By hosting the international games, China had hoped to put its economic, political and economic successes on display. The smog casts a huge shadow over Beijing, emphasizing lagging environmental standards that carry consequences beyond the nation’s borders. Higher incomes and standards of living mean little if they come at the cost of basics like clean air and water. – YaleGlobal