about this blog
I started writing this blog in Aug 2007, one year before the Beijing Olympics, and updated it quite regularly until the Games took place. It was a hot topic and awareness seems to have increased a lot, which I think is one of the major benefits of the Games. I wish I had more time to write about this, but it seems to me that there’s a lot more info available now, in 2009-2010, and I will try to update now and then 
This blogs tries to bring together some information on the air quality in Beijing, mainly to answer the question: how wise is it to live in Beijing, if you have other options? Can you raise your kids in this city without affecting their chances of a healthy life?
China doesn’t have a good reputation for its environment, but as far as I can see, Beijing has the WORST air pollution index of all 84 reported cities NEARLY EVERY DAY according to the official agency SEPA, so there is reason to worry.
Is the situation improving or is it actually getting worse with the 1000-1200 new cars that hit the Beijing roads every day? In fact a recent report by UNEP in the context of Beijing’s efforts to host ‘green’ Olympics answers some of these questions, although it remains quite diplomatic.
Is there hope for a city of this size, in this climate, in this geographical settings? Where does air pollution control stand in the list of priorities of the Beijing authorities? What more can be done? It seems to me that the general public in Beijing is not very concerned yet about these issues, but Hong Kong shows this can change, so it is this blog’s ambition to contribute a bit to the awareness.
You are most welcome to share whatever comments or suggestions you have, please email me on tom @ beijingairblog.com or leave a comment on the blog.
Tom
Beijing