To control pollution in preparation for the Olympic Games in Beijing, Asian superpowers are planning to close down factories. “Some suggest the move will have little impact on China’s seemingly insatiable demand for raw materials, while others believe it could prove the tipping point for the end of the commodity boom.”

Toronto Star

The Canadian Medical Association is warning that the number of deaths related to air pollution is set to soar, with a cumulative death toll of 800,000 Canadians by 2031.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is considering whether to modify the federal health standard for smog. “The EPA has said, based on various studies, cutting smog to 75 from 80 parts per billion would prevent between 900 and 1,100 premature deaths a year and lead to 1,400 fewer nonfatal heart attacks and 5,600 fewer hospital or emergency room visits.”

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.

When Parliament resumes sitting April 16 after a two-week Easter break, its first order of business will be a vote on the Conservative government’s Clean Air Act, which has been greatly amended by the opposition parties. That’s the good news. It may also be good news that Harper may feel confident enough to test his legislation at the polls. If so, we’d better understand the issues.

Heavy road users in the EU countries may soon have to pay a cost for air pollution, noise pollution and congestion.

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.

In light of environmental and health concerns, the European Union has approved a plan to set a 20% reduction in fine particulate matter concentrations in urban areas by 2020.

It’s uncanny how two “former” climate-change deniers can use all their old anti-Kyoto arguments even as they claim to support the treaty. But the prevarication that worked three years ago didn’t work yesterday, and critics are roasting Baird and Harper.

Environment Minister John Baird announces the federal government’s plan to fight climate change and air pollution. Canadians may soon have to pay up to $200 to $300 more for a car, and $20 for various appliances.