Did you know that 16 out of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world are reported to be in China? It sounds absurd but it’s a reality that’s affecting the population’s well being in a major way.
In a country where it's common to see citizens wearing face masks in hopes of protecting themselves from the pollution, Chinese officials are now taking serious action to try and curtail the problem.
This week leaders in Beijing announced they will punish the country’s officials for pollution that occurred under their watch – even those no longer holding office.
"For officials in leadership positions who are responsible for environmental damage, it does not matter whether they have been reassigned, promoted or retired, they will be held seriously accountable," state television said.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang referred to the pollution as “blight on people’s quality of life” and – judging by various reports on the problem – he’s certainly right.
The Washington Post reported that pollution is creating smog so hazardous that in the Zhejiang province in 2013 a factory fire went unnoticed for three hours. Sealed bags of mountain air were even shipped to Zhengzhou a year later. And, in Northern China, life expectancy can be affected by six years.
"Take the building of a beautiful China as the goal," state television added. "Let those who protect (the environment) benefit, and those who harm it be punished."
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