The warm winter in Beijing has caused concerns that sandstorms
will possibly land in the city in spring.
Beijing, located south of the Inner Mongolia grassland, has been
frequently hit by sandstorms over the past few years. Beijing Vice
Mayor Ji Lin said on Tuesday in Beijing that the lack of rain and
snow in winter is an important factor in causing sandstorms.
In response, the head of the Beijing Municipal Environmental
Protection Bureau, Shi Hanmin, has vowed to launch emergency plans
to cope with sandstorms. The plans include launching weather
forecasts to remind the public of pollution and strengthening
management of pollutant-releasing industries.
To provide a good environment for the Beijing 2008 Olympics,
Beijing will hold a "no car day" in September. Citizens in Beijing
are called on to ride bikes, take buses or cabs and walk instead of
driving their cars on that day.
(CRI February 7, 2007)
