The past few days have seen many cities in central and eastern China engulfed in thick smog, with air quality reaching hazardous levels. While weather changes will eventually clear the haze, the attention of both the government and the public on environmental protection must not be lost with the wind. Environmental pollution is no longer a distant issue—it directly affects daily life, endangers public health, and threatens sustainable development. Protecting the environment and building a beautiful China is no longer just a slogan; it's an urgent necessity.
Fog has long been a natural phenomenon, often celebrated in literature for its poetic beauty. For example, Zhu Ziqing’s description of “thin blue fog floating over the lotus pond†in his essay *Hollywood Moonlight* reflects a serene and elegant image. However, the smog currently blanketing China offers nothing but harm. It is not just an aesthetic concern—it is a serious public health crisis.
Most of the smog in China is linked to natural conditions such as low wind speeds and high humidity, but the root cause lies in excessive pollutant emissions. According to the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau, large amounts of emissions from coal combustion, vehicles, industry, and dust are the main contributors to the severe pollution. This situation serves as a stark warning: environmental protection needs stronger action and long-term strategies.
Creating a lasting mechanism to reduce pollution from key industries, enforce dust control at construction sites, and limit official vehicle use is essential. But to truly address the problem, China must shift its economic model, better manage energy consumption, and promote energy efficiency and emission reductions. Without fundamental changes, the environmental challenges will only worsen.
Currently, environmental agencies lack strong enforcement powers, and penalties for polluters are too light to act as a real deterrent. A maximum fine of 50,000 yuan is hardly a meaningful punishment for big companies. In some regions, local governments even turn a blind eye to polluting industries due to tax revenue and employment concerns. This highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and more effective enforcement.
Objectively speaking, China is still in the middle of its industrialization process, with per capita GDP about one-tenth of that in the U.S. Development remains a priority. Yet, this does not excuse environmental neglect. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and improving energy efficiency is a more realistic path forward for sustainable growth and environmental protection.
China's current energy mix is heavily reliant on coal, which accounts for nearly 70% of total primary energy production and consumption. Clean energy, including wind, solar, and hydropower, makes up less than 30% of power generation. The heavy reliance on coal, especially for heating in northern regions, contributes significantly to air pollution. Reducing coal use and shifting toward renewable and clean energy is critical.
In the long term, developing renewable and clean energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower is essential. Although these technologies face challenges related to cost, grid integration, and resource availability, they represent a necessary future. Expanding the use of natural gas and nuclear power can also play a key role. China has vast shale gas reserves, potentially rivaling those of the U.S., and investing in their development could reduce dependence on coal while supporting energy security.
Nuclear energy, though still underdeveloped compared to countries like France, is a clean and cost-effective option. With modern safety standards in place, there is no reason to halt its progress. The Fukushima disaster should not deter China from pursuing safe and reliable nuclear power.
As China's oil import dependency rises to nearly 60%, energy security becomes increasingly important. Developing unconventional energy sources is not only a way to ensure energy stability but also a key strategy for reducing emissions. With advancements in new energy technologies, transitioning away from coal is becoming more feasible.
The recent prolonged smog event has served as a wake-up call. While the fog may lift, the need for immediate and sustained action on environmental protection remains. It’s time to move beyond words and take real steps toward a cleaner, healthier future.
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