Beijing and Central China Brace for Severe Smog, Korea Also Affected

A recent view of downtown Beijing with a slight smog. Starting on the 28th, it is expected to intensify significantly, causing damage to China’s central and some northern regions for about a week./Beijing Ribao.

The most powerful smog of this year is expected to occur in the central and some northern regions of China, including the so-called Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) area, for about a week from the 28th. Indeed, it will also have a significant impact on South Korea.

According to a comprehensive report from media outlets, including Beijing Ribao on the 27th, this smog is closely related to the more robust reopening (resumption of economic activities) in the second year with the “post-COVID” policy. It is said that the significantly increased operation rate of manufacturing industries compared to the “zero COVID” period is harming air quality.

Even after the official holiday of the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year), the ongoing fireworks play in some local areas cannot be ignored. Given that pollutants from countless fireworks that exploded during the 8-day holiday period have not entirely dissipated in the atmosphere, it is reasonable to anticipate the occurrence of smog.

Currently, it is feared that the surrounding areas of Tianjin, near Beijing, will suffer from sandstorms (smog accompanied by sandstorms). The western region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is also under a level 5 smog alert. It seems that even healthy residents should refrain from outdoor activities.

The capital, Beijing, is also expected to be somewhat affected by Tianjin. Gu Jingguo, a resident of Shangdi, Haidian District, in Beijing, said, “In Beijing, a level 3 smog alert, indicating the middle stage, has been issued. At this level, the elderly should avoid outdoor activities as much as possible.” It seems reasonable to be concerned that this smog should not be taken lightly.

The air quality across China is expected to remain at its usual level once this smog subsides. However, as reopening has become a daily routine, there is a high possibility that smog will frequently occur for a considerable period from the end of March.

Especially in Beijing, the air quality will likely face the worst situation if it combines with pollen from poplar trees and others, called Liu Xu, in April. It appears reasonable to assert that living in a world without smog is still a distant hope for the Chinese, including the citizens of Beijing.