Planet Ark

Beijing has spent 140 billion yuan (US$20.34 billion) towards environmental cleanup in preparation for the Olympics. Some of the “green moves” include: switching from coal to gas; closing or relocating heavy polluters; targeting private cars; greening the transport system; covering dust from construction; recycling water; and controlling sandstorms.

GLOBE-Net

Sustainability is a key issue for the Olympics according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As a result, Beijing has developed a comprehensive sustainability agenda and making every effort to make the event “green.”

The deputy head of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics states that economic growth will not be significantly hindered by air quality plans during the Olympics because factories have already anticipated this change.

Beijing’s rowing and conoeing venues for the 2008 Olympics are running dry. As a result, water is being diverted from a willow-lined river northeast of Beijing to replenish them.

“Beijing’s contingency plans to battle pollution for the 2008 Olympics are based on extensive scientific study and will prove effective in providing clean air for the Games, a senior advisor to the organisers said.”

With air quality being a major concern at the 2008 Olympics, Beijing is targeting for more “good air days” to alleviate some of the pollution pressures.

Under the newly launched “green securities” scheme by Beijing, businesses are required to disclose more information about their emissions and environmental record.