The Air Pollution Problems in Beijing - Essay Example

Xingyao Cheng Harrison,Robert B.  ESRM100 28 The Air Pollution Problems in Beijing Introduction Beijing has one key observable feature any visitor and tourist can easily see- the high levels of pollution resulting to the widespread fog. The once famous city has seen its reputation destroyed and exposing the residents at risk of occupational hazards. For the sake of maintaining its competitiveness and attractiveness to foreign investors, it is vital to address the air pollution issues. China first experienced the problem of air pollution in the 1970s, which mostly resulted from emissions of sulfur dioxide and total suspended particles (Zhang, Dongyong &, Bingjun 5323). Most of the sulfur dioxide emitted into the air resulted from coal combustion, which formed a fundamental part of the energy suppliers in China. In the 1990s, the problem worsened because of the increase in the number of vehicles on Chinese roads. Beijing recorded a massive rise from 0.5 million in 1990 to over 5 million cars in 2012. Chinese cars emit more pollutants than most cars in other developed countries because the low standards of automobile emissions in the country. It is worthwhile mentioning that the current state of air pollution in Beijing and many other Chinese cities is a result of rapid industrialization and increase in the numbers of automobiles on the road. Causes of air pollution In the previous ten years, Beijing has been trying to put in efforts to improve the quality of its air. The efforts have been able to bring out some positive impacts though at a minimal rate. The rapid developments in the economy, advancements in motorization and increasing industrialization have contributed immensely to the air pollution. In the previous decades, Beijing has suffered from various sources of air pollution. Among these sources are; coal combustion, exhaust from vehicles, and fugitive dust. The pollution is distinctively characterized by the enormous levels of pollutants from coal burning. These pollutants are the sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), and the photochemical products like ozone (Leitte, Schlink and Franck 125). Beijing, Chinas capital city is an international metropolis with a current population estimate of million. Air pollution is an important and mutual concern for all urban residents in many big cities worldwide. Particulate matter (PM) remains to be the air pollutant with the greatest adverse health effects on people. PM10 and PM2.5 are the primary particulate matter pollutants. Particulate matter consists of particles with aerodynamic diameters Read More