Beijing issues first-ever ‘red alert’ air pollution warning

During this period of time, schools will be required by law to close, while cars will only be allowed on the road on alternate days, depending on their license plates.

The Chinese government on Tuesday ordered 30 percent of vehicles off the roads, banned heavy vehicles, told schools to cancel classes and urged companies to offer flexible working hours to employees, while canceling most outdoor events.

There’s virtually no escape from the smog blanketing China’s capital with the pollution levels contained in the respiratory ward at Beijing’s Kids’s Hospital even reaching hazardous levels on Tues.

“I don’t think this red alert is so bad; everyone is saying it’s nowhere near as bad as the last [smog]”. “If you are engaging in outdoor activities you should wear a mask or take other protective measures”.

Many city residents donned industrial-strength face masks. Schools and factories will be closed and driving in the city is set to be curtailed, officials announce.

“I feel helpless”, said Zhang, a math teacher. “We wanted to develop, and now we pay the price”, Beijing office worker Cao Yong said during a break from work.

This was for the very first time that such an alarm has been raised to its highest level since the introduction of an emergency air-pollution response system in 2013.

Authorities in the Chinese capital on Tuesday issued a red alert smog warning, closing schools and warning people to stay indoors, as toxic smog enveloped the north of the country. The World Health Organization designates the safe level for the tiny, poisonous particles at 25.

Chinese social media commentators also pointed to the fact that no red alert was issued when the readings touched 634 a week ago.

At 9am in Beijing on Tuesday, official pollution index reported a level of 261, which was higher than the 250 index reported by weather monitors at the USA embassy in Beijing.

In an interview with Mashable on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who was a principal player in engaging with China on climate change, said the pollution woes in China’s cities is a primary driver of action there.

Others felt that it’s all the same. “When all the world’s resources are exhausted one day, we will end up with becoming real dust”.

In an interview with Reuters television, founder and CEO of the company Christopher Dobbing said he spotted a gap in the market because of “the Beijing cough”, a reaction to pollution familiar to many visitors. Maybe, for 10 to 15 days.

Fang said China’s massive environmental problems are forcing people to educate themselves about the effects of pollution on their health. Those needing to travel are asked to use public transportation.