These blue-sky days must not be taken for granted

SO FAR THIS WINTER, the masks that used to be a common sight at this time of year have been less evident as the number of days with blue skies in Beijing and its surrounding regions has been much higher than in the recent past. China Youth Daily comments:

It is good news that we can enjoy blue winter skies in Beijing. It is even better news to see breathing masks and air cleaners, once deemed necessities for residents in Beijing, are losing their appeal.

That is why some media outlets have been hailing the improvement in Beijing’s air quality. However, it is still too early to celebrate because the improvement has multiple causes, including natural conditions.

According to the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, the general climate conditions of 2017 in Beijing were much better than they were in 2016, because the air was relatively drier and the frequency of northern winds was higher. It is these natural weather conditions, along with the efforts of the authorities and Beijing residents, that have led to the improved air quality.

In other words, more needs to be done in the coming years to reduce emissions and fight smog, because no one can be sure whether the weather conditions in 2018 will be as amenable to breathable air as they were last year. We cannot afford to depend on nature for smogless days.

The importance of environmental issues is gaining increasingly more attention throughout society. With relatively better air conditions in 2017, people will very possibly have higher expectations for 2018. That in turn requires the municipal authorities of Beijing work harder so as to make their antipollution achievements sustainable.

It is therefore too early to celebrate the better air quality in Beijing. On the contrary, the good news should be a reminder to both authorities and residents to work harder in 2018 to improve the air quality, not only in Beijing, but also throughout the country.