北京努力解决空气污染问题

The Air Quality Index reached over 300 on Friday morning. People can see and smell the smog and know exactly how bad it is outside. After a night of fireworks and fire crackers the figure jumped to over 500 in the evening. The government issued a blue alert the next day.

Qi Fanhua, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, points out that there's no quick solution to the problem.

Previously the government has tended to adopt a "delaying tactic", shuffling off its duty to the next level of government.

"They have already realized the severity of the problem, yet they never take immediate actions to deal with it. Instead, they always choose to ignore the problem and put it to the next government, until the outbreak of air pollution really gets on the nerves of the public. Now the problem has become so severe that it can't be solved very soon."

The Beijing Municipal government approved and installed an emergency responses system last October, requiring that traffic be cut with alternative driving days, and schools suspended, if a red alert, the highest level of air pollution, is issued. But all that doesn't seem to work.
Qi says the solution to the problem is not straightforward, with pollution from neighbouring provinces and cities like Hebei and Tianjin making the situation even worse.

He is among the many experts who believe the first step in tackling this issue involves the authority making information open to the public, and encouraging citizens' participation.

"Relevant departments and research centers should publish the information and let the citizens know exactly what is causing the smog. Then everybody would know what they can do to help. Most citizens have the awareness to regulate their behaviors if they are well informed and encouraged to help."

He also advises the government to disclose weather information and smog counter-measures to the public in a timely manner.

Wang Yongchen, a former senior editor with China National Radio, now a founder of a non- profit organization for environmental protection, agrees that a collective effort from both the government and the public is needed.

"I think it's also the public's duty to tackle the smog in Beijing. Everybody should ask 'what can I do to help'. I'm sure we can make a difference if we really care an mind our daily behaviors."

She also emphasizes that the media should take responsibility in keeping the public well informed.

"I think the most important responsibility for the media is to help bring the information to the public's attention. The media should keep in touch with residents and civil society organizations while researching issues. We will interview more experts and academics to get comprehensive data and information and let the public know the truth."

Experts also suggest that the authority suspend plants with huge emissions and shut down industrial and coal-fired power plants during extreme smoggy weather.

From CRI, I'm Zhang Wan.