Dear Editor:
A recent news report from northern China noted the arrival of winter means the return of the smog season, created by the combined effect of weather and the start up of residential and city heating systems fuelled by coal. This year it only took two days before the city of Harbin experienced smog so thick that visibility was down to 50 metres. In Beijing the air pollution level caused government to warn children, older people and those with respiratory ailments to reduce outdoor activities.
Last year, over 68 per cent of energy used by China was generated by burning coal. There is little sign of replacing it as an energy source in the immediate future.
There are a few positive signs the city of Beijing is attempting to rein in air pollution from other sources; for example, implementing alternate day usage of cars. But it is likely a losing battle as long as coal remains the primary source of energy. In the meantime, developed nations with deposits of coal, such as Canada, are more than happy to ship it. But let’s not kid ourselves. We may be selling coal, but we’re exporting pollution.
Bill Brassington
