The Need to Protect the Earth's Air . . .
China must protect its air better
(The analysis below does not intend to criticize the actions of the Chinese government or their laws on air quality. The subsequent aims to merely heighten the attention of all living in China to protect their air through collaboration.)
In the 21st century, the only constant in China has been the dramatic downfall in air quality from global standards. Running counter to the present, my parents experienced joy and tranquility during their childhood; spent in China in the 1980’s. They knew skies so vivid, the wind left smoky trails across the sugary spread of clouds. This is shown by a line from my father: “During the good old days, I knew air so uncontaminated, breathing oxygen felt as if I was relieving my burdened soul.” However, in the present, smog coating China’s skies are turning into a common sight. For instance, mere weeks ago in the U.N Conference in Beijing regarding air pollution, the city’s PM rank exceeded 24 times the globally dictated airborne pollutant level; up to 692. In fact, dealing with smog has become so much a part of everyday life that air quality indication is a regular feature in China’s weather reports. Below, I will clarify the damage smog brings, the Chinese government’s current plan to eliminate smog and my personal opinion on this issue.
China currently ignores the consequences of smog at the cost of its citizen’s health for the better of its economy. As millions of Chinese citizens look to industrialization to lift them from poverty, the reduction of smog may appear to be a lost cause. Breathing air from China’s streets has been compared to: “the inhaling of toxic waste into one’s body”. Seeing this, to avoid further scrutiny, the Chinese government kept smog data a state secret until 2009. It was only, in 2010, when the US embassy in Beijing called the city’s air “crazy bad” did China’s leaders formally recognize the matter. Nevertheless, the issue with smog is getting worse. Stats from NASA in 2014, showed that Shenzhen had a 23% increase in carbon emissions. Furthermore, between 2006 to 2016, NASA observed that nitrogen dioxide increased by eleven percent in China’s air.
Smog in China has turned into a major health epidemic, and this will persist if the needed changes are not made. It is the microscopic air pollutants found in smog that forms issues. Such contaminants are smaller in diameter than bacteria and can travel into not only the lung but also the brain while interfering with the function of organs. Unanimously, the Nature Defense Council COR has stated that: “Carbon dioxide levels in China are breaking record highs, and this is triggering rashes, respiratory problems, and other ailments.” For example, short-term troubles include eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches and respiratory infections. Long-term complications include damaged lungs, health, and well-being. This leads to hazardous fallouts. The WHO, in 2015, stated that smog is related to 4,400 deaths in China per day. Moreover, the Global Health Council has concluded that smog is the leading cause of human carcinogens within Chinese citizens. Furthermore, the Association for the Advancement of Sciences has stated that wildlife in China is considerably influenced by the air around it. Particularly, an increase of ozone will cause for tree tissue to disintegrate while interfering with photosynthesis in plants. It will even shorten the lifespan of animals and heighten their chances of obtaining cancer. If China wants to avoid having their current population being the last to know of true blue skies and mother nature, the Chinese government must more effectively protect its air.
In spite of all this, there is no need to panic about the rise of smog in China. A solution is on the way. Ever since the start of its civilization, China has made leaps and bounds in progress against the problems it has faced. Medicine, water sanitation, and food safety have improved. Air quality will likely head down a similar path. At present, through pioneering steps, new “air-friendly” laws implemented by the government have produced results. Hearing the call of their citizens, the regime in 2013 integrated the “red alert” nationally. This alarm is activated when the PM level of any city reaches over 600, resulting in factories shutting down and schools closed. As well, in 2015, 81% of Chinese factories discharging pollutants are doing so in accordance with global standards. Not to mention, “the National Air Pollution Action Plan” has been set up. This aims to ease back the usage of coal. Such a step has had an effect: China’s consumption of coal in 2015 was reduced for the first time in over a century. The future of China lies in the air its citizens breathe. This news is splendid as the stats above offer exciting prospects for reducing air pollution. From my personal perspective, I see that China has made real progress in the fight against air pollution. However, if this problem was to be ridden of forever, more effort is needed. I believe that pollution is like a plague. It spreads fast and quick, forcing humanity to find a cure before all of us are infected. This disease could be cured by citizens positively pressuring political leaders to: forming more smog reducing laws, making it easier to reduce, reuse and recycle while creating new jobs for the cleaning up of existing pollution. I feel that people should take as much action against smog as possible, so that our future generations can wake up every morning knowing that the air they breathe is safe and fresh. This could be done where you reuse plastic containers and bottles, choosing environmental friendly options when buying things and taking mass transit.
In today’s crowded, louder and faster world, a clean atmosphere to live in will provide tranquility, happiness, and joy. Clean skies are valuable for an innovative and novel state of life. The chance to observe the universe without smog in the way has inspired numerous artists, philosophers, and stargazers since the origin of time. In a realm with darkened skies, how could Chinese painter Liuhasu have created the world renowned painting, “Forever Remembered”, which was made famous through the vivacious blue skies displayed? One can only guess at the creations unblemished skies will inspire in all. To conclude with, I would like to cite a quote showing the importance of clean air for a happy life, said by Enel Knievel: “I decided to fly through the air and live in the sunlight and enjoy life as much as I could.”
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