Focus on Arts and Ecology

The Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has revealed that tiny particles known as PM2.5 averaged 34 micrograms per cubic metre in January, as reported in the South China Morning Post. The national standard, set in 2012, is below 35 micrograms per cubic metre. Compared to the same period in 2017, there has been a 70.7% reduction in PM2.5. Other pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and PM10 also experienced significant cuts. In January 2018, 25 out of 31 days recorded “good” or “excellent” air quality. Since 2013, the government’s war on pollution has resulted in the closure or relocation of heavily polluting industry and restrictions on car use. This winter, pollution prevention and control measures were tightened further and cleaner heating systems that burn natural gas were introduced to replace coal-fired boilers.