Beijing’s Smog Issue: Is Australia Next?

With a population of more than 20 million that increases daily, China’s capital city is one of the most polluted places on earth. Though pollution issues often seem contained to developing countries, Australia’s C02 emissions are increasing, so are we next in line for a smog-covered city?

Beijing is not unfamiliar to seeing (or rather not seeing) buildings obscured by smog and many residents check the pollution forecast before leaving their homes. Walking into poles in Beijing is not uncommon because the smog can be so thick that you can’t see very far in front you (yes it does happen, I was a victim). In Australia we’d like to think that we’re not headed for a smog-filled future.

Many Australians are ignorant to the potential threats pollution can cause, *ahem* Tony Abbott *ahem*. Basically if it does not immediately affect our quality of life, it’s not happening. But although Beijing is home to an amazing culture many would agree that the quality of life compared to those that live in Brisbane is lesser. Here in Brisbane we can breathe fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, and swim in the urine infested fake beach at South Bank under a continuously clear blue sky.

In 2008 China contributed 23% to the world’s C02 emissions, thus the smog. Six years ago it was the largest single source of C02 emissions. But in 2013 Australia was recorded as producing 16.9 metric tons of C02 gas emissions. Think it’s not that bad? C02 is made up of 2 oxygen atoms so it’s pretty light to begin with. And Australia is producing 16,900 kilograms of pure C02 pollution.

The cherry on top? As of September, Tony Abbott has released the approval of the Adani Mining’s Carmichael Coal Mine infrastructure project in Queensland that will prove to be another large source of C02 emissions.

Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire

Photo: Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire

Sources: http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/beijing-population/

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/global.html

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.CO2E.PC

http://www.liberal.org.au/