Wednesday 30 July 2008

BBC NEWS | Magazine | The filthy air conundrum

Smog at Beijing's Olympic Stadium

Beijing is taking drastic measures to improve its air quality in the run-up to the Olympics. But is it possible to conquer air pollution in a short space of time?

In China's capital city, emergency measures are afoot.

It is nine days until the games begin. Beijing has a reputation for bad air pollution and if the national stadium is shrouded in smog on the first day of the games, the embarrassment will be palpable.

Driving through the city is restricted to cars with even or odd number plates on alternating days. Factory emissions have been reduced and some building sites shut down.

BBC NEWS Magazine The filthy air conundrum