Beijing issues first red alert for smog

The red alert is the highest possible, and has not been used in the city before, the state-run Xinhua news agency says.

The government recommended that some schools close because of the severe pollution. This will take effect tomorrow (8 December 2015) at 7am local time.

Just a week after Beijing’s major literally had his head saved, thanks to a cold front which swept away some of the worst pollution ever, the city has raised the alarm once again. but this time to a record level.

This massive episode of smog is expected to choke the city at least until Thursday, when rain is expected to clear things somewhat.

The capital city “receives much of its pollution from distant industrial areas, particularly Shijiazhuang”, 322 kilometres to the south-west, said Robert Rohde, co-author of a report on China’s pollution, in a press release in August.

The red alert – the most serious warning on a four-tier system adopted in recent years – was announced late Monday.

The government issues alerts through multiple platforms including TV, radio, newspapers, the internet and text messages. This follows the declaration of red alert for the first time since 2013 when it was last issued.

Cars with odd and even number plates will be banned from driving on alternate days.

One man in Beijing told reporters: “If I breathe too much of this pollution, I cough and it really bothers my lungs”. Many global schools seem to be heeding warning to stay closed, though it is unclear how many Chinese schools will be closed on Tuesday.

At present over 30 per cent of the air pollution comes out of automobile emission.

The notice, issued on Monday after days of heavy smog last week, also puts traffic restrictions on certain types of vehicles in the city of 22.5 million people. Red reflects a forecast of three days of PM2.5 – airborne particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller – levels above 200 micrograms per cubic metre.

It had previously dispatched 10 inspection teams to regions known for heavy pollution, mainly around Beijing, to ensure emergency plans were in place.

“A strong agreement here in Paris”, continues a BBC report, “won’t immediately solve China’s air woes, but if it ultimately pushes down the price of renewables even further, it could play a part in solving the issue long term”.