China pledges clean air for Olympics

Stung by criticism of their pollution-ridden atmosphere, Beijing’s Olympic officials today promised the air would be clean in time for this summer’s games.

Efforts to make sure the air meets required standards were being stepped up, said environmental minister Zhang Lijun.

“After we have implemented all the measures, there is no problem for Beijing to meet the standards. We can deliver on our commitment,” he said.

China was stung into making the statement after world marathon record-holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia said he would almost certainly miss the long-distance running event in Beijing because of the city’s poor air quality.

Considered the world’s best distance runner, the 34-year-old Gebrselassie – who has asthma – fears his health could be damaged by running in the event.

He said he would make a final decision in May after he finds out whether he qualifies for the 10,000-metre race.

A murky haze blankets Beijing on most days. With the Olympics around the corner, China has constantly been on the defensive over the pollution level.

Zhang said he expects that “by June, we will complete all tasks necessary” to ensure the city will have the required clear air.

The measures include requiring Beijing, as well as the nearby city of Tianjin and Hebei province, to temporarily shut down some of their most heavily polluting factories.

The provinces of Shanxi and Shandong, along with the huge Inner Mongolia region, would also be required to restrict emissions from their coal-fired power plants. Zhang did not give details, but the measures could mean limits on electricity use and shorter working hours for companies.

In order to satisfy commitments made in 2001 in its bid to host the Olympics, Beijing will be required to show that it meets international standards for four major pollutants – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, inhalable particles and chemical oxygen demand, a measure of water pollution.

Concerns about the capital’s pollution have dominated international athletes’ preparations for the games. Several countries have decided to station their athletes outside China – in some cases in Japan or Korea – for training.

Gebrselassie visited Beijing in January and voiced concern about the air quality then.

“The pollution is the most important thing,” he said at the time.

“Actually, when we talk about the pollution, it’s not only during the Olympic Games. What about the people here? They are really suffering.”